The Kadjebi District Directorate of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit has announced significant progress in its campaign to improve sanitation and public health, with 109 improved household latrines constructed between January and June 2025. The achievement represents more than half of the 197 latrines targeted for the period, marking a tangible step toward reducing open defecation and enhancing hygiene standards in the Oti Region.
District Environmental Health Officer (DEHO) Victus Elorm Kpotosu disclosed the figures in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, noting that the initiative forms part of a broader strategy to ensure that every household has access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities. He emphasised that the directorate’s work is not limited to infrastructure provision but also encompasses preventive health measures and community education. “We remain committed to improving sanitation and public health in the district,” Kpotosu said,affirming the link between adequate sanitation and the prevention of disease outbreaks.
In addition to the latrine construction drive, the directorate conducted medical screenings for 630 food and drink vendors operating within the district. This proactive measure aims to safeguard consumers from foodborne illnesses by ensuring that vendors meet health and hygiene standards before serving the public. The screenings form part of a regulatory framework that combines enforcement with education, helping vendors understand their role in maintaining community health.
The directorate’s outreach extended further into the community through inspections of 5,490 houses over the same six-month period. These visits provided opportunities to educate residents on healthy lifestyles, good sanitation practices, and environmental cleanliness. By coupling inspections with sensitisation efforts, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit seeks to foster behavioural change alongside infrastructural improvements, ensuring that facilities are used correctly and maintained over time.
The progress in Kadjebi reflects a growing recognition across Ghana that sanitation is a cornerstone of public health. Poor sanitation has long been linked to the spread of diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever, which can have devastating effects on vulnerable populations. By investing in improved household latrines and reinforcing hygiene education, the district is working to break the cycle of preventable illness and improve quality of life for its residents.
While the 109 latrines constructed so far represent a substantial achievement, the DEHO’s target of 197 for the first half of the year indicates that there is still work to be done. Continued collaboration between local authorities, community members, and development partners will be essential to meet and surpass these goals. The directorate’s integrated approach—combining infrastructure, health screening, inspections, and education—offers a model for other districts seeking to make sustainable gains in sanitation and public health.
As Kadjebi moves into the second half of 2025, the focus will remain on expanding access to improved sanitation facilities, strengthening food safety measures, and deepening community engagement. If the momentum is maintained, the district could emerge as a leader in rural sanitation, demonstrating how targeted interventions and consistent public health messaging can transform community wellbeing.
Source: Some 109 Improved Household Latrines Constructed in Kadjebi – DEHO | Ghana News Agency
