Three people have died as more than 200 suspected cholera cases sweep across Agona Swedru and surrounding towns in the Central Region.
The outbreak, which began about a week ago, has raised significant concerns among residents and authorities.
According to Mr. Simon Asare, the Agona West Municipal Coordinating Director, 11 suspected cases have been confirmed as cholera by the Swedru Municipal Government Hospital.
Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Swedru, Mr. Asare disclosed that the three fatalities were among the confirmed cases reported by the Municipal Health Directorate.
Efforts to curb the spread of the disease have been initiated.
Mr. Asare identified Agona Nkum as the epicentre of the outbreak, with numerous cases also reported from Agona Nyakrom.
The stakeholder meeting, aimed at coordinating a community-wide response, was attended by chiefs, assembly members, representatives of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP), market women, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), media practitioners, and drivers’ unions.
Mr. Asare assured attendees that the assembly is working closely with health officials to eradicate cholera from the municipality. He also revealed measures to address critical water supply issues in the affected areas.
“We have engaged water tankers to supply water to Agona Nkum and nearby villages due to the breakdown of the main pipeline from Agona Nyakrom,” he said.
He added that the assembly has urged the Swedru Office of the Ghana Water Company to expedite repairs to restore water supply to residents.
To promote environmental hygiene, Mr. Asare announced a three-month grace period for residents of Agona Nyakrom and Agona Nkum to install household toilets.
“After this grace period, the Assembly will take drastic action against any landlord or landlady who fails to comply,” he warned.
Additionally, a decongestion exercise is planned for the Central Business District of Swedru to ease human and vehicular traffic. Mr. Asare appealed to all stakeholders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the initiative.
The Assembly remains committed to resolving the cholera outbreak and preventing future occurrences through sustained public health measures and infrastructural improvements.