Assessment of open defecation in KWAHU Afram Plains South District, Ghana

Abstract

This study examined the barriers to open defecation free in Kwahu Afram Plains South District, Ghana. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methodology in data collection. A questionnaire administration to one hundred and sixty-nine (169) households randomly selected from 6 communities in the Tease Area Council and 5 communities in the Samanhyia Area Council. The findings from the survey describes that, the cost of constructing toilet facility is key determinant for open defecation in the Kwahu Afram Plains South District. 72% of the respondent who did not have toilet facility at home mentioned that, the introduction of subsidy to facilitate the toilet construction would help address open defecation in the District. The findings from the survey also describes that, 79% of the respondent had knowledge on the advantages of sanitary toilet facility however 99% of the respondent indicated that, there are no local regulations to discourage open defecation in the communities. Moreover, the finding of the survey established that, the District Assembly is trying possible to end open defection however weal legislation implementation and inadequate funds to support vulnerable families to own a toilet facility has worsen the situation of communities to be declared open defecation free. World Vision Ghana is supporting the District assembly to facilitate the attainment of open defecation free in Communities.