News Categories: Health

The Kwahu West Municipal Environmental Health Director, Mr. Diamond Kwame Amedonu, says the Assembly will no longer spare persons who flout sanitation regulations and will prosecute offenders to serve as a deterrent.

Speaking after a clean-up exercise, Mr. Amedonu disclosed that persons who indiscriminately dispose of refuse have been served to face prosecution in court. He said the move is to promote responsible sanitation practices, improve environmental cleanliness, and protect public health.

He noted that the exercise involved desilting of choked gutters and sweeping within electoral areas to enhance the Municipality’s capacity to deal with sanitation challenges and improve waste management for a cleaner and more environmentally friendly environment.

The Kwahu West Municipal Assembly has published a report on the destruction of unwholesome, confiscated food, drugs, herbal and cosmetic products carried out by the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit in accordance with public health regulations and court directives.

The report documents enforcement activities undertaken to safeguard public health within the municipality and is available for public access below.

Download the Report on Destruction of Unwholesome Food and Products (PDF)

Background
Street foods have raised significant public health concerns due to the increasing incidence of foodborne diseases documented over the past decade. The alarming rate of foodborne diseases in Ghana has prompted authorities to strengthen food safety and hygiene practices. As part of these efforts, food vendors are encouraged to undergo mandatory medical screenings conducted by certified laboratory technicians.

Screening Initiative

To address this concern, the Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with Alpha Homeopathic & Botanic Medical Clinic, organized a medical screening exercise for all food vendors within the Municipality. The exercise was closely supervised by the relevant Unit within the Assembly to ensure compliance and efficiency.

Screening Statistics
During the period under review, a total of 4,876 food and drink vendors participated in the screening exercise. The gender distribution was as follows:
• Males: 397
• Females: 4,479

Screening Results
The screening results were categorized into reactive (positive for certain medical conditions) and non-reactive (negative for the tested conditions). The breakdown is as follows:

Following the mass screening, a mop-up exercise was conducted to ensure full coverage within the Municipality.
Recommendations and Follow-up
The 224 vendors who tested reactive have been advised on the necessary medical steps to take, including treatment and follow-ups. The Municipal Assembly, in collaboration with health officials, will continue to enforce food safety regulations and promote periodic medical screenings to safeguard public health.

Conclusion
This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that food sold to the public is handled by healthy vendors, ultimately reducing the risk of foodborne diseases within the Municipality. The Municipal Assembly remains committed to public health safety and urges all vendors to prioritize their health for the well-being of consumers.

List of Food Vendors for 2023 (Click to Download)

Nkawkaw, Kwahu West Municipal Assembly – In a commendable effort to safeguard public health and maintain sanitation standards, the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly carried out a successful operation to destroy unwholesome food, drugs, and cosmetic products. The confiscated items, estimated to be worth Nine Thousand Ghana cedis (GHc 9000), were removed from stores in Nkawkaw, the Municipal Capital.

Various items seized from offending shops to be disposed off

Spanning a period from December 19th, 2022, to March 31st of the current year, the operation was conducted in two phases. The primary objective was to eradicate expired and potentially harmful goods that posed risks to consumers.

Under the watchful eyes of the media, the police, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), court bailiffs, public health officers, and concerned citizens, the two-hour exercise unfolded flawlessly. The multi-stakeholder participation aimed to ensure transparency, accountability, and to educate the general public about the importance of consuming safe and quality products.

Stakeholders, including the media, police, and public health officers, observing the destruction process.

The Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit acted swiftly, seizing unwholesome products from various stores within the municipality. These items were unfit for consumption or use due to factors such as expiration, inadequate storage conditions, or compromised quality.

The destruction process meticulously followed proper protocols to ensure the safe disposal of the confiscated items, minimizing any potential risks to public health and the environment. By effectively eliminating these unwholesome products, the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly has taken a proactive stance in protecting the well-being of its residents.

Mr. Joseph Krampah, Municipal Environmental Health Officer, overseeing the disposal operation

The presence of the media and other stakeholders during the operation served to raise awareness about the importance of purchasing and using only certified and wholesome goods. It also showcased the commitment of the Municipal Assembly to maintain high environmental and health standards within the region.

Stakeholders, including the media, police, and public health officers, observing the destruction process.

The successful execution of this initiative underscores the dedication and professionalism of the Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit of the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly. By proactively addressing the issue of unwholesome products, the municipality demonstrates its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens.

Proper burying of unwholesome items by the Environmental Health Unit

Moving forward, it is crucial for both regulatory bodies and consumers to remain vigilant in identifying and reporting any potential health hazards or unwholesome products. By working together, the community can play an active role in promoting a safe and healthy environment for all.

List of Food Vendors for 2022 (Click to Download)