Three Districts In The Ashanti Region Report The First Cases Of Cholera

Health officials in the Ashanti Region have confirmed the region’s first cases of cholera for the year, sparking concerns over public health and sanitation. The cases have been recorded across three districts: Kumasi Metropolitan, Obuasi Municipal, and Ejisu Municipal.

Details of the Outbreak

According to the Ashanti Regional Health Directorate, over 20 cases have been confirmed in these districts, with two fatalities reported as of December 29, 2024. Health authorities attribute the outbreak to poor sanitation, contaminated water sources, and inadequate waste management practices in affected areas.

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Dr. Emmanuel Tinkorang, the Ashanti Regional Director of Health Services, noted, “This outbreak is a wake-up call for all stakeholders to prioritize sanitation and hygiene practices. The public must be vigilant and adopt measures to prevent further spread of the disease.”

Response Measures

The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has intensified public education campaigns, emphasizing the importance of:

• Drinking safe and treated water.
• Proper handwashing with soap and water.
• Avoiding the consumption of street food prepared under unhygienic conditions.
• Maintaining clean surroundings.

In addition, health workers have been deployed to the affected districts to provide medical care and distribute oral rehydration salts to those showing symptoms of cholera. Emergency response teams are also working to trace and contain the sources of the infection.

Calls for Action

The outbreak has reignited debates about the region’s poor waste management and sanitation infrastructure. Civil society organizations are calling on municipal authorities to address systemic challenges, including the lack of proper drainage systems and insufficient access to clean water.

One resident in Kumasi stated, “We need long-term solutions to prevent such outbreaks. It’s not just about responding to the disease but fixing the underlying problems.”

Government’s Role

The Ministry of Health has pledged additional resources to combat the outbreak. Municipal and district assemblies in the Ashanti Region have been instructed to enforce sanitation bylaws and ensure waste is collected and disposed of effectively.

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Conclusion

As the Ashanti Region grapples with its first cholera outbreak of the year, the focus remains on swift containment and prevention. With coordinated efforts from health authorities, local governments, and the public, it is hoped that the spread of the disease will be curtailed, safeguarding the lives of residents.