Traditional rulers have been urged to actively partake in the fight against open defecation as Ghana resolves to end the menace.
Executive Director of Centre for development Partnership and innovations, John Nedjoh says fighting the menace will be unsuccessful if chiefs fail to actively involve themselves.
John Nedjoh speaking at a ceremony to observe this year's world toilet day at Atiwa in the eastern region said "chiefs are custodians of the land, they can enact rules and regulations that will ensure that people who put up buildings in their communities are made to built toilet".
While admitting government's resolve to curb open defecation, the CDPI boss noted that the fight could be more successful if chiefs are involved.
It is estimated that over 4.5 billion people out of the world's total population of 7.2 billion don't not have access to safe latrines.
This means that out of every 100 people, 63 of them don't have toilet facilities, a situation experts say has adverse health effects on people.
Similarly, in Ghana, figures suggest only 15 percent of the over 27 million population have access to safe latrines.
This has serious consequences for people’s dignity, health and ability to work or attend school.
Under the theme: "When nature calls" , The Centre for Development Partnerships and Innovations (CDPI), in collaboration with government aims to reduce rising incidences of open defection to meet sustainable development goals ( MDG) target.
The event was used to enlighten residents of Fremponso, Vanderpuye, Akyem-Ankaase and Mampong of consequences of open defecation.
CDPI is a non-governmental organization specializes in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) issues.
The purpose of the observance is to raise awareness about the challenges and deadly health consequences of poor sanitation in some parts of the world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, and to encourage the formulation and implementation of policies that increase access to improved sanitation.
Over the years, local government bodies in Ghana have been encouraging households to build their own toilet facilities in their homes through the provision of counterpart funding.
CDPI ,as part of efforts to help tackle rising incidences of open defecation has trained some youth in their operational area as latrine Artisans.
They are to build latrines for households on demand.
Queen mother of Fremponso,Nana Nyinakpe Anokye 1, says open defecation was rampant in the four communities until recently when residents were educated on the dangers of open defecation.
The event was graced by Atiwa West municipal chief executive, Kwabena Panyin Nkansah, and donor partners Ernst Peyer foundation.
The foundation funds WASH programs being undertaken by CDPI.
Chairman of foundation, Hannes Heinnman in his address expressed worry over lack of toilet facilities in many homes in Ghana.
" I am aware that most people prefer buying expensive smart phones to building toilets in their homes. This must not happen, let focus on health issues first before any other". He said.
Open defecation is a worrying trend in some parts of the country