The story of Asaloko, a community in the Bongo District, is a powerful testament to how collective will and community action can eradicate open defecation and improve sanitation. For years, the community faced significant challenges with poor sanitation, which contributed to frequent health problems, including typhoid fever, as experienced by Madam Mary Assa’s daughter in 2015. This case of illness was linked to the unsanitary practice of open defecation, where human waste contaminated water and food sources, leading to widespread sickness.
A Turning Point: The Role of WaterAid Ghana
However, the situation in Asaloko began to change after the intervention of WaterAid Ghana, under the WASH for Public Health project funded by Global Affairs Canada. The project introduced the community to the dangers of open defecation, improper waste disposal, and the importance of household latrines. Through awareness programs, meetings, and training, the community shifted its mindset, laying the groundwork for lasting change.
In addition to improving sanitation, WaterAid Ghana installed a solar-powered mechanised water system that addressed the long-standing issue of water scarcity in the community. This intervention not only provided access to clean water but also paved the way for better hygiene and health practices.
Community Ownership and Commitment to Change
Unlike many communities that rely on external enforcement, Asaloko took full ownership of its sanitation efforts. The residents, including the youth, actively participated in constructing household latrines using local materials and their free labour. By 2016, every home in Asaloko had a functioning toilet facility, marking a significant achievement in the community’s sanitation journey. This effort culminated in 2019, when Asaloko was declared open defecation-free by the Bongo District Assembly, a status the community has maintained ever since.
The Importance of Youth Engagement and Community Bylaws
A key factor in the success of this initiative was the active involvement of the youth. The youth of Asaloko played a crucial role in educating residents about sanitation and enforcing community bylaws. These laws made it mandatory for every household to have a toilet facility and imposed fines on individuals who defecated in the open or littered the environment. The youth also organised monthly clean-up exercises, ensuring that everyone participated in maintaining the community’s cleanliness.
A Model for Other Communities
The positive changes in Asaloko have not gone unnoticed. The community has become a model for others, both within the district and beyond. Asaloko has even cleaned the district capital, and other communities are now learning from their example. The district’s Environmental Officer, Mr. Abdulai Mumuni, commended Asaloko for its resilience and efforts to ensure proper sanitation practices, describing it as a community worth emulating.
Challenges and Future Aspirations
Despite its success in sanitation, the community still faces challenges, particularly in accessing healthcare. The youth have been advocating for the construction of a healthcare facility to improve health services for the residents. However, their commitment to community development remains strong, as they continue to push for better living conditions and access to essential services.
A Powerful Reminder for the Future
The journey of Asaloko highlights an important lesson: ending open defecation is not only about building toilets, but about changing mindsets, fostering community ownership, and ensuring that local laws are respected. As Ghana strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6, which focuses on providing universal access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, the success of Asaloko stands as an inspiring example of what can be achieved through community-driven efforts.
As Mr. Mumuni aptly put it, Asaloko’s success is not just a local victory but a learning model that can spark similar transformations across other communities in Ghana and beyond.
