The Western Region is currently battling a severe cholera outbreak, with Sekondi Takoradi and Ekma accounting for the majority of reported cases.
According to Oliver Cromwell, the Environmental Health Analyst for the region, the number of cholera cases has surged dramatically since early November.
“In the Western Region, on November 4th, 2024, we had one or two cases, and as of December 9th, 2024, we had 908 reported cases and eight deaths,” Cromwell explained on ABC News.
He added that the region is now recording around 60 new cases daily, with most coming from Sekondi Takoradi and Ekma.
The Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) has implemented urgent measures to address the worsening outbreak, including a ban on vegetable sales across the region.
This decision follows findings from environmental health investigations that link 96% of the cases to contaminated food sold by vendors.
The majority of infections have been traced to vegetables such as salads, green leaves, and green peppers.
Cromwell further emphasized that 90 to 95% of cases are tied to food vendors, who are sourcing the contaminated vegetables.
“We tried a lot of education, but we’ve realized that it’s not going well with us, thus the ban on vegetables,” Cromwell said.
With daily case numbers continuing to rise, the WRCC has urged the public to adhere to the new guidelines and take precautions to avoid further spread.
Offenders found selling vegetables in violation of the ban will face prosecution under the Public Health Act of 2012.
