The Impacts of Cultural Practices on Sanitation Problems in Ghana
Ghana, located in West Africa, faces numerous sanitation challenges that put the health of its people at risk. Efforts to address these challenges have yielded little success, mainly due to the country’s complex cultural practices that contribute to sanitation problems. In this article, we examine how cultural practices in Ghana contribute to sanitation problems and suggest ways to address them.
Open Defecation
Open defecation is a common sanitation problem in Ghana, with millions of people lacking access to proper sanitation facilities. Cultural practices, such as a preference for open defecation, contribute to this problem. In some parts of Ghana, people believe that defecating in the open is more hygienic than using latrines. Others feel that building latrines in their homes or communities amounts to ‘locking in’ evil spirits. Therefore, cultural taboos must be overcome for the community to embrace modern sanitation practices. Education and legislations can help to change perceptions and traditions that support open defecation, such as engaging community leaders, religious heads, and influencers in sensitization campaigns.
Water and Waste Disposal
In many parts of Ghana, water and waste disposal infrastructure is poorly developed, leading to the contamination of water sources and poor hygiene. In some communities, people dispose of human waste and garbage in water bodies, leading to the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera and diarrhea. The practice of throwing garbage indiscriminately contributes to the clogging of gutters, which exacerbates flooding during the rainy season.
To address this problem, there is a need for sustainable and efficient waste management systems. The government can incentivize private sector investment in waste management infrastructure and support community-led initiatives for waste sorting, recycling, and disposal.
Gender-Based Cultural Practices
In many communities, gender-based cultural practices also contribute to sanitation problems in Ghana. For example, women and girls often face difficulties because they bear the primary responsibility for collecting and disposing of household waste. In some communities, the prevailing gender norms prevent women from using public toilets. This increases the risk of urinary tract infections and other health problems.
To address these problems, gender mainstreaming must be integrated into sanitation policies and programs. This can include creating women-led sanitation committees, providing female sanitation workers, and creating gender-friendly sanitation facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural practices significantly impact sanitation problems in Ghana. It is essential to understand the factors that contribute to these problems and create targeted interventions to address them. Sustainable and efficient waste management systems, education, gender mainstreaming, and community-led initiatives are key to addressing sanitation challenges in Ghana. By working collaboratively with the government, development partners, and communities, Ghana can achieve its sanitation promises, improve public health outcomes, and support sustainable economic growth.
