Traders at the Kandiga market in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region have been compelled to defecate in the open due to the absence of a proper toilet facility within the market.
The situation, which has persisted for years, has become a major sanitation concern for both traders and residents. A toilet facility was previously constructed within the market but collapsed following years of neglect and poor maintenance by authorities. Another toilet, built a short distance away from the market, has been abandoned by traders because of its inconvenient location. It has since deteriorated into a refuse dump site.
A trader, Mary Ayamga, lamented that the distance of the toilet facility discourages its use. “The toilet is too far from the market. When we are pressed, we can’t run that far, so most of us end up easing ourselves in the open,” she said.
Another trader, Comfort Apana, explained that she often resorts to defecating in nearby farmlands. “I usually go into the millet fields to free myself, but when the dry season comes and the millet is cleared, it becomes difficult because there is no cover or privacy,” she said.
During this month’s National Sanitation Day activities held at the Kandiga market, the Chief of Kandiga, Naba Henry Abawine Amenga-Etego II, expressed concern about the dire situation. He appealed to the government, through the District Chief Executive, to provide a befitting toilet facility for the market.
“There is a whole market like this, and there is no toilet. It’s a pity. We are appealing to the government through our DCE, our son and brother, to consider and see what exactly they can do,” the Chief said. “When people are pressed, they run into the millet fields. But during the dry season, where do they go? Visitors who attend the market have nowhere to ease themselves. It’s a big pity.”
In response, the DCE for Kassena-Nankana West, Stephen Aeke Akurugo, described the situation as unfortunate and assured that the assembly would renovate the old toilet facility and construct an additional modern one.
“Kandiga market is a big market, and if it’s without a toilet facility, that’s a pity. We will ensure that the dilapidated facility is renovated and add an additional modern toilet facility,” Mr. Akurugo assured.
He emphasized that this time, a management structure would be established to maintain the facilities and prevent future neglect. The DCE also hinted at plans to enhance local revenue mobilization to fund such community projects.
“The revenue from Kandiga market alone can build a toilet facility. I’ll be engaging the traditional leadership and area councils to improve revenue collection so that part of it can be used to provide social amenities the people need,” he added.
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