The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has issued a strong call to action urging residents of the region and Ghanaians at large to make cleanliness a daily lifestyle rather than viewing it only through a religious lens. He made this statement “Make cleanliness a culture and not only Godliness” in a post shared on his official Facebook page, where he highlighted the critical role sanitation plays in public health and community development.
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Hon. Gunu’s comment followed his participation in World Toilet Day activities held in Nyagbo Agodome in the Afadzato South District, where eight communities were officially declared Open Defecation Free (ODF). The Minister described the development as a major milestone in the region’s sanitation efforts and a clear demonstration of what collective action can achieve.
He emphasized that access to safe toilets is not just a basic need but a matter of dignity, health, and sustainable development, noting that the theme for this year’s World Toilet Day celebration “We Will Always Need a Toilet” reflects a universal truth about human wellbeing.
According to Hon. Gunu, the progress seen in Afadzato South is the result of strong collaboration between traditional authorities, assembly members, Natural Leaders, environmental health officers, and dedicated community members who worked tirelessly to eliminate open defecation in their localities.
He commended the District Chief Executive for Afadzato South, Hon. Manfred Tawiah, along with the District Assembly and all households in the eight ODF-declared communities for embracing the collective responsibility of improving sanitation.
The Minister also praised the leadership and commitment of Madam Stella Kumedzro, the Regional Environmental Health Officer, and her team for driving sanitation campaigns across the Volta Region.
While celebrating the progress, Hon. Gunu reminded residents that more work lies ahead:
“We must continue until every household in the Volta Region has a safe toilet and every community becomes ODF.”
He highlighted that the ongoing sanitation improvements align strongly with the region’s Resetting Agenda, which prioritizes health, dignity, and environmental protection.
Hon. Gunu concluded by calling on landlords, opinion leaders, and community stakeholders to maintain the momentum:
“The wellbeing of our children and the prosperity of our region depend on the choices we make today.”
The Minister’s message has since gained wide attention on social media, with many praising his leadership and commitment to a cleaner, healthier Volta Region.
