Sanitation situation at Aboabo Zongo communities in the Asokore Mampong Municipality, Ghana

Abstract

The study was carried out in Aboabo Zongo communities in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. It aimed at investigating the state of sanitation and health of people living in the area. Five key objectives drove the study: explaining the nature of environmental sanitation, identifying root causes of poor environmental sanitation, ascertaining effects of the phenomenon on health, assessing the nature of intervention put in place and exploring best practices in sanitation management. To achieve the objectives of this study, the descriptive research design precisely the case study design was adopted. However, the approach to inquiry was explicitly qualitative. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select all total of twenty (20) participants from the communities. Semi-structured interview guide and observation guide were the data collection instruments used. Data were analysed thematically and descriptively. The study revealed the nature of environmental sanitation using three indicators: water systems; toilet, lavatories and urinal systems and drainage, sewage and solid waste systems. The study also showed that attitudes and behaviour among other factors remain the greatest determinants of poor environmental sanitation in the area. It was seen that contraction of hygiene and sanitation related diseases and poor access to healthcare were the major effects of poor environmental sanitation on the health of people. The study also identified the diverse interventions put in place by the Assembly in curbing the phenomenon. It was revealed that public education, installation and treatment of sanitation facilities, commitment to change in behaviour and attitude and establishment and compliance of legal systems constitute sanitation management practices that can improve the health of people living Aboabo Zongo communities in the Asokore Mampong Municipality. The study recommends the use of sanitation laws as measures to check sanitation practices. It also puts forward that opinion leaders join environmental sanitation campaigns. The study proposes a collaborative effort of health professionals, residents and stakeholders of environment, health and sanitation in sensitizing the public in sanitation and hygiene related controversies.