Ghana’s ongoing battle: why open defecation persists in certain communities

Open defecation, once a prevalent practice in many parts of Ghana, has been the target of extensive campaigns and initiatives aimed at eradicating this unhygienic behavior.

Ghana has made substantial progress in addressing open defecation over the past decade.

The government, in collaboration with various local and international organizations, initiated campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of proper sanitation practices and to provide improved toilet facilities.

These initiatives have been met with both success and challenges.

The government’s flagship policy, the “Clean Ghana Campaign,” has been pivotal in promoting good sanitation habits and reducing open defecation.

The effort to declare Ghana “open defecation-free” was launched with zeal, and it seemed that Ghana was on the path to success.

However, the GSS’s latest report suggests that the battle against open defecation may not be won just yet.

It reveals that 8.9 percent of urban households across Ghana are still practicing open defecation, an alarming figure considering the substantial resources invested in addressing this issue.

The report also highlights significant regional disparities. In the North East and Savannah regions, more than half of urban households continue to practice open defecation.

These regions, with percentages as high as 54.0% and 51.9%, respectively, indicate that open defecation remains a deeply entrenched issue in some areas.

The Factors Contributing To Persistence

Several factors contribute to the persistence of open defecation in Ghana. These include:

• Infrastructure Challenges: Inadequate access to proper toilet facilities in certain regions makes it difficult for residents to adopt better sanitation practices.
• Cultural Beliefs: In some communities, traditional beliefs and practices around defecation continue to influence behaviors.
• Economic Barriers: The cost of constructing and maintaining toilets can be prohibitive for low-income households, making open defecation a seemingly more accessible option.
• Education and Awareness: The success of anti-open defecation campaigns relies on effective messaging and community engagement. In some areas, these efforts may not have reached their full potential.

The Way Forward

While progress has been made in many areas, the persistence of this issue in specific regions highlights the need for continued targeted efforts.

To eradicate open defecation in Ghana, the following steps can be considered:

• Infrastructure Development: Invest in the construction of affordable and accessible toilet facilities, particularly in regions with high open defecation rates.
• Community Engagement: Tailor awareness campaigns to the cultural and social contexts of specific regions, ensuring that the messages resonate with local communities.
• Subsidies and Support: Provide financial assistance to low-income households to facilitate the construction of toilets and promote regular maintenance.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Implement a robust system for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and adjusting strategies as needed.
• Government Commitment: Ensure that governments at all levels remain committed to the open defecation-free agenda.

As we reflect on the latest findings from the GSS, it is clear that open defecation is not yet a thing of the past in Ghana.

The path to achieving nationwide open defecation-free status requires sustained efforts, community involvement, and targeted interventions.