In a recent call to action, Ghanaians have been encouraged to prioritize handwashing in all aspects of daily life to ensure public health and well-being.
Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has emphasized the need for this vital practice to extend beyond Global Handwashing Day, advocating for its daily adoption throughout the year.
“Handwashing must be seen not just as a response to health crises, but as an everyday practice that protects our health, promotes dignity, and supports productivity. We must reinvigorate efforts to make handwashing with soap a regular and sustained behaviour.”
These remarks were made during the celebration of Global Handwashing Day at La-Bawaleshie Presbyterian Basic School in Accra, organized by the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA).
This year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important,” aimed to highlight the collective responsibility of individuals to maintain public health, prevent infections, and foster well-being, especially in light of recent cholera cases reported in the Greater Accra Region.
Madam Alhassan noted that proper handwashing with soap can significantly decrease the risk of illnesses. For instance, it can reduce the likelihood of diarrhoea by 30% and acute respiratory infections by up to 20%.
The Minister also highlighted that handwashing’s benefits extend beyond health. Maintaining good hygiene practices, especially among children, promotes regular school attendance and enhances learning. Citing a World Health Organization report, she revealed that proper handwashing can cut school absenteeism caused by diarrhoea and influenza by up to 50%. Furthermore, poor hygiene can lead to undernutrition in children under five, hindering their nutrient absorption and potentially resulting in stunted growth and developmental delays.
While recognizing Ghana’s progress in raising awareness about hand hygiene—particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic—Madam Alhassan expressed concern over the recent decline in handwashing practices. “Many handwashing stations have disappeared, and those that remain often lack soap or water. Even when facilities are available, consistent handwashing is not practiced.”
The Minister described the theme of this year’s Global Handwashing Day as a timely reminder for Ghanaians to recommit to lifesaving hygiene habits. She highlighted the challenge of sustaining handwashing behavior despite increased awareness, citing a UNICEF and WHO report that revealed 2.3 billion people globally lack access to basic handwashing facilities, with 670 million having no access at all.
Madam Alhassan urged food vendors to adhere to proper hand hygiene before handling food to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses.
Mr. Aloysius Adjetey, Chief Executive of CWSA, reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborating with stakeholders in the WASH sector to normalize handwashing practices in Ghana. He noted that a government-led approach would improve planning, monitoring, and sustained hand hygiene interventions at all levels.
Mrs. Naa Shormey Nortey, Headmistress of La-Bawaleshie Presbyterian Basic School, encouraged parents to embrace handwashing as a vital part of keeping their families safe. “Clean hands are not only important but essential,” she stated.
To reinforce this initiative, Madam Alhassan, who is also the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, presented Veronica buckets and other hygiene items to schools and traditional councils within her constituency.