The Regional Environmental Health Office in the Oti Region has launched a sanitation campaign to curb rising typhoid fever cases, leading to the arrest of over six individuals in Dambai for practicing open defecation.
The operation, led by Regional Environmental Health Officer Cynthia Sekyere, underscores the region’s commitment to improving health and sanitation standards. Open defecation and unhygienic practices remain critical public health challenges, contributing to the spread of typhoid and other gastrointestinal infections.
The Oti Region has recorded over 23,000 typhoid cases in the first half of 2025, largely attributed to inadequate sanitation facilities and unclean water sources, causing increased health-related issues among residents.
During a routine inspection in Dambai, the regional capital, the task force apprehended individuals defecating in open spaces near the District Police Station. Such practices pose significant health risks and environmental hazards.
Cynthia Sekyere stressed the importance of residents adhering to sanitation regulations and taking responsibility for their health and surroundings. Following the arrests, additional sanitation offenders have been identified and are expected to face court proceedings.
Adom News reporter Obrempongba Owusu also observed indiscriminate unhygienic practices among residents, including refuse dumped in polythene bags mixed with faeces, posing further environmental risks.
The task force has launched educational campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of open defecation and promote proper hygiene practices. Regional Environmental Health has also appealed for additional logistics to strengthen their operations.
Source: Obrempongba K. Owusu
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