The Unposted Environmental Health Officers and Assistants Association of Ghana has renewed its appeal for the recruitment of unemployed environmental health professionals, following the recent floods that affected several communities across the country.
In a statement issued on July 1, 2026, the Association expressed condolences to families who lost relatives in the disaster and sympathised with individuals whose homes, businesses and other properties were damaged by the floods.
According to the Association, the devastating impact of the flooding underscores the need for greater investment in environmental health and sanitation services.
It argued that years of inadequate attention to the sector have contributed to persistent sanitation challenges, including poor waste management and indiscriminate disposal of refuse, which often worsen flooding during heavy rains.
The Association noted that Environmental Health Officers, popularly known as “tankas” within the local government system, play a crucial role in promoting sanitation, enforcing public health regulations and supporting efforts to maintain clean communities.
Despite the importance of their work, the Association said graduates from Ghana’s three Schools of Hygiene have remained unemployed for more than five years after completing their training.
It explained that the failure to recruit fewer than 4,000 qualified environmental health professionals has left many environmental health and sanitation units understaffed, limiting their ability to effectively carry out their mandate.
The Association therefore appealed to the Presidency, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance to facilitate the immediate employment of the unposted graduates.
According to the group, recruiting qualified professionals would boost the capacity of sanitation and environmental health departments nationwide and contribute significantly to efforts aimed at preventing future flood-related disasters.
The Association maintained that strengthening environmental health services remains critical to improving sanitation standards and safeguarding public health.
While reiterating its commitment to advocating for better sanitation systems across the country, the group also expressed solidarity with all individuals and communities affected by the recent floods.
