The people of Kpongunor-North Electoral Area in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality of the Eastern Region have taken a bold step towards improving sanitation with the completion and commissioning of a modern ten-seater toilet facility.

With most households in the community lacking private toilet facilities, residents are compelled to depend largely on public places of convenience to meet their sanitation needs, with some reporting to open defecation.

The project, which began two years ago, was spearheaded by the Assemblyman for the area, Noah Kortey Tackie, through community-driven fundraising efforts.

Contributions came from traditional leaders, politicians, philanthropists, and residents who shared a collective vision of eliminating open defecation and promoting environmental cleanliness in the community.

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Tackie expressed his satisfaction and gratitude to all who supported the project.

“I’m happy with the commissioning, and I thank the residents and all prominent individuals who contributed to the success of this project,” he said. “I was motivated to undertake this initiative because our community lacked a proper place of convenience. This challenge once led to a cholera outbreak due to open defecation, which posed a serious health hazard.”

According to him, the facility will serve all residents, with special provisions for the elderly aged 70 and above, as well as children, who will be allowed to use it free of charge. He assured that proper accountability and maintenance measures have been put in place to ensure the sustainability of the project.

Adding his voice, Nene Narh Terkpertey II, the Sipim of Manya-Aklomuase in the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, one of many contributors to the project, lamented the deterioration of sanitation discipline in recent years.

“Traditional leaders previously had powers to prosecute sanitation offenders, but those powers have been taken away,” he noted. “These powers should be restored so we can collaborate with assembly members to enforce sanitation laws and punish offenders. Open defecation must stop if we want to maintain a healthy environment.”

He also commended the Assemblyman for his leadership, urging others to emulate his initiative.

“Assembly members should be bold to take initiatives and seek support from stakeholders. When people see your commitment, they will support your good deeds,” he encouraged.

Nene Nomo Abui III, Chief of Ofose-Korlenya, praised the collective effort that made the project possible.

“I am happy that sanitation improvement is being practiced during my tenure,” he said. “We will ensure accountability and transparency in managing revenue from the facility to guarantee its maintenance and continuous operation.”

Philanthropists and opinion leaders in the community also played a crucial role by contributing both cash and materials to support the initiative.

Among them was Mr Walter Hormenu, former NDC Constituency Chairman for Lower Manya Krobo, who applauded the Assemblyman and all contributors.

“If an Assembly member can achieve this through community support, then our MPs and Assemblies can certainly do more,” he stated. “Sanitation is a major challenge, and leaders should not always wait for government interventions before acting. Other Assembly members should emulate this example by uniting their people for development.”

The completion of the Kpongunor-North toilet facility marks a significant milestone in local-led development and underscores the power of collective responsibility in addressing community challenges.

It also sets a precedent for other electoral areas to prioritize sanitation and health through practical, people-centered initiatives.