In the North East Region of Ghana, specifically in the West Mamprusi Municipality, students from several public schools are forced to defecate in the open due to the closure of their toilet facilities.
This unfortunate situation hinders the students’ ability to maintain basic hygiene, as they cannot access the school’s sanitation facilities.
Affected Schools
The impacted schools include Nazori Primary and Junior High School, Nasiriya E/A Primary School, Suguru R/C, and Wungu Primary and Junior High School.
A visit to these schools revealed that many students are resorting to defecating in the open, exposing themselves to dangers such as snake bites and other hazards, especially during the rainy season. School authorities have locked the toilets, citing misuse by local residents. However, even where the toilets are accessible, students lack water for handwashing.
Student Concerns
The students have voiced their frustrations over the situation. Saibu Erica (name changed), a 13-year-old student, expressed her discomfort. “We always go to the bush because the toilets are locked,” she explained. She further lamented, “I feel very uncomfortable when I’m on my period at school, but the toilets remain locked.”
Call to Action
In reaction to the development, Victoria Boweh, a young girl who attended a PARDA stakeholders’ meeting in the municipality, praised the NGO for its efforts in addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and promoting Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights through the “Power 2 Choose” project.
However, she called on PARDA to extend its sensitization campaigns to the affected schools to promote Sexual Health and Reproductive Rights among the students.
Health Risk
The lack of access to toilet facilities can exacerbate health issues, including continence problems, urinary tract infections, and dehydration. Schools must prioritize the health and well-being of their students by providing clean, accessible toilet facilities to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment. The students and their families are urging organizations like PARDA to intervene by educating school authorities and ensuring that these basic sanitation facilities are made available to students.
Report by Dokurugu Alhassan, North East Region