Hot!
Work together to end open defecation -NCCE to stakeholders

- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7482.jpeg&description=Work together to end open defecation -NCCE to stakeholders', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/IMG_7482.jpeg&description=Work together to end open defecation -NCCE to stakeholders', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has charged relevant stakeholders to work together to end open defecation so Ghana could achieve its SDGs which Ghana has less than seven years to attain.
Mrs Ophelia Ankrah, the Eastern Regional Director said communicable diseases such as, cholera and diarrhea would continue to plague the nation if pragmatic and collaborative efforts are not put in place to arrest the situation.
Speaking at a journalists empowerment forum, organised by the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (MCODe) with support from World Vision Ghana in Koforidua, the training was to accelerate the fight against open defecation in the region as Ghana works towards eradicating it by 2030.
The Regional Director said, “We are challenged during the rainy season, which exposes us to various diseases such as cholera, Malaria and diarrhea stressing the need for OD to be eliminated.”
She however commended the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (MCODe) for initiating a relentless nationwide advocacy to end the practice by 2030.
Mrs Ankrah said the Commission, at the regional level, would collaborate with other stakeholders to ensure that “we all fight against the problem and deal with it holistically.”
“We will work with M-CODe Eastern Regional Branch to upscale the fight; we need to fight on towards attaining open defecation-free status in the region,” she said.
Mr Francis Ameyibor, M-CODe National Convenor, said the coalition was seeking to create a synergy for media practitioners and other stakeholders to work together, identify challenges and operational gaps towards a common goal in the fight against open defecation.
The journalists empowerment forum event formed part of “M-CODe 2023 Anti-Open Defecation nationwide advocacy efforts,” supported by World Vision Ghana, he said.
Mr Yaw Atta Arhin, World Vision Ghana’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Technical Coordinator, said while Ghana had made remarkable progress in respect of access to safe water, it was regrettable that same could not be said of environmental sanitation.
“Progress towards universal access to improved sanitation and ending open defecation continues to be very slow,” he said.
Mr Arhin charged the coalition to upscale its efforts across the country through innovative programmes, the engagement of celebrities as open defecation free ambassadors, and the use of social and traditional media to consistently drum home the message.
Representatives from the Eastern Regional Coordination Council, the Regional Environmental Health Office, NCCE, Regional SHEP, and the Ghana Education Service (GES), participated in the forum.
Others were the Ghana Health Service, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice,(CHRAJ) and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency(CWSA).
BY BENEDICTA GYIMAAH FOLLEY
Hot!
UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.
In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.
The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.
According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.
UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.
The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.
It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.
UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.
The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.
The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.
Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Hot!
NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.
The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.
The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.
It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.
“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.
The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.
The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.
The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Entertainment1 week agoMiss Ghana 2026 winners presented to Tourism Minister
News1 week agoEight Injured after Toyota Hiace somersaults on Tema–Akosombo highway
- Features1 week ago
Environmental stewardship is an act of worship: The Islamic response to climate change, environmental degradation (Part 3)



