Urgent Posting to Curb Typhoid: Health Officers Demand Action
The Unposted Environmental Health Officers and Assistants Association of Ghana has expressed deep concern over a devastating typhoid fever outbreak. The outbreak has affected parts of the country since January 2025. It has also tragically claimed several lives in the Oti Region. In fact, victims include a chief and two former District Chief Executives. The association released a statement on Monday, September 1, 2025. They extended their condolences to the bereaved families and also described the outbreak as a preventable tragedy. Secondly, they say it is the result of years of government neglect.
The group holds the government accountable for the crisis. They accuse the government of failing to address public health gaps. For instance, the government has failed to employ graduates from three Schools of Hygiene since 2021. Over 3,600 trained officers remain unemployed. This is despite increasing sanitation challenges. The association says the lack of political will has left Ghana vulnerable to outbreaks. In fact, over 10,233 individuals have been affected in the Oti Region. The group says the government must upgrade the Environmental Health Directorate. They believe it needs to become a fully resourced authority. They further raise concerns about poor waste management. Additionally, they cite poor medical screening for food vendors. Finally, they say there is an insufficient number of environmental health staff. These are all contributing factors to the current crisis.
The association welcomed recent comments from a politician. Kwabena Oti Bless, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Water and Sanitation, suggested increasing the sanitation levy. He also recommended upgrading the Environmental Health Directorate to an authority. However, the group cautioned against empty political promises. They want action, not just talk. Therefore, they demand urgent posting to curb typhoid. The group has urged several government ministries to provide support. They want financial clearance for the immediate posting of unemployed officers. In fact, they believe that this is a critical step. They are ready to supplement the efforts of overburdened field officers. The association will continue to advocate for their professionals. Their ultimate goal is to improve nationwide sanitation. They want to ensure the urgent posting to curb typhoid is a priority.
Source: Citinewsroom. Author: William Narh. Date: September 1, 2025.
