Coalition of Zongo Leaders against Open Defecation in the Ashanti Region have paid a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu and the Ministry of Sanitation.
According to the Coalition of Zongo Leaders, its visit was seek the support and blessing as it embarks on the nationwide fight against open defecation in Zongo communities.
Speaking at the residence of the Chief Imam, the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, Shaikh Imam Abdul Mumin Haruna said “With all these plans and activities ongoing, the Office of Ashanti Regional Chief Imam, in consultation with all the Imams and Zongo Chiefs in the Eight Assemblies decided to pay a courtesy call on the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, who was also made the Chief Sanitation Patron by the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah in 2019, to seek his blessings for the Coalition of Zongo Leaders Against Open Defecation and buy-in for effective implementation of the Project in low communities in Greater Accra and Greater Kumasi,”
“We will therefore entreat His Eminence to nominate an officer from his Office to liaise with the Ashanti Regional Office to ensure that all Imams across the country join in the Coalition of Zongo leaders Against Open Defecation.”
The call for the Project to be extended to all Zongo Communities is premised on the fact that the Project’s design through the provision of the biodigester toilet technology is very convenient for the Zongo communities because it does not require too much space to construct.
“Also, the price of the facilities being 1200ghc for a complete toilet and 700ghc for a biodigester with a toilet seat and handwashing basin is very affordable for low-income households,” he continued.
The delegation, later in the day made a stop at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources.
Interacting with the Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hamidu Isahaku Chinnia, the office of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam underscored the need for every household in the country to have a toilet.
They appealed to the Ministry to throw its support behind the project.
The office of the Ashanti Regional Chief Imam says it believes the Ministry will help in the fight against open defecation.
It was optimistic that the move will also improve sanitation in Greater Kumasi and beyond.
On his part, Deputy Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hamidu Isahaku Chinnia commended the Zongo Leaders for the initiative.
He pledged his personal support likewise commitment of the Ministry in making the agenda a reality.
The coalition presented plaques and citations to the National Chief Imam and the Deputy Sanitation and Water Resources Ministry.
Below are some pictures:
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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