The Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) has unveiled a series of urgent measures aimed at curbing the rapidly escalating cholera outbreak, which has reached an alarming and critical stage in the region.

The Council’s intervention seeks to contain the spread of the disease, safeguard public health, and prevent further loss of life.

“As of December 7, 2024, 789 suspected cases and 8 deaths have been recorded across various health facilities. Daily reported cases exceed 60, with Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan and Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal areas accounting for 95% of infections”.
Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC)

In a statement, the Council reported that Environmental Surveillance investigations have identified food vendors as the primary source of cholera infections, accounting for a staggering 96% of reported cases.

According to the Council, the contamination is largely traced to the sale of unclean or improperly handled fresh produce, including vegetables such as salads, leafy greens, and green peppers.

The Council emphasized that this discovery exposes critical deficiencies in food hygiene practices, particularly within the informal food vending sector.

It underscored the urgent need for the enforcement of stricter food safety regulations to ensure proper handling, cleaning, and preparation of food items.

Additionally, the Council called for intensified public education campaigns to raise awareness about the health risks associated with consuming contaminated food and to promote best practices in food hygiene and personal sanitation.

In response to these findings, the Council has initiated immediate measures aimed at safeguarding public health.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the Council is prioritizing interventions to curb the spread of the disease, strengthen food safety protocols, and enhance community awareness about cholera prevention.

These swift actions are intended to mitigate the risk of further infections and protect vulnerable populations within the region.

WRCC Bans Vegetable Sales to Curb Cholera Spread

Furthermore, the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC), in an official communiqué, announced an immediate ban on the sale of vegetables by food vendors across the region.

This decisive measure aims to halt the spread of cholera linked to contaminated produce.

The Council warned that individuals or vendors who violate this directive will face strict legal action, including prosecution under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).

This enforcement strategy underscores the Council’s commitment to protecting public health and holding offenders accountable for endangering community well-being.

“The ban will remain in place until public health officials confirm the safety of such practices. The general public is strongly advised to avoid purchasing or consuming vegetables from food vendors for their safety”.
Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC)

Meanwhile, the Council strongly advised the public to exercise caution when handling vegetables intended for domestic consumption.

It emphasized the importance of thoroughly washing, disinfecting, and properly treating all vegetables before use to eliminate potential contaminants.

This precautionary measure is aimed at reducing the risk of cholera infection within households and promoting safer food handling practices.

The Council further urged residents to remain vigilant and prioritize food hygiene as part of the broader effort to combat the outbreak.

In response to the escalating crisis, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has dispatched a team from its Institutional Care Division to the region.

The team’s mandate includes monitoring the surge in cases, realigning emergency healthcare strategies, and bolstering medical staff to ensure timely and effective care for affected individuals.

The Institutional Care Division urged anyone experiencing cholera symptoms to seek immediate medical attention at health facilities, where treatment is being provided free of charge to ensure better health outcomes.

So far, four regions — Greater Accra, Eastern, Central, and Western — have reported cholera cases.

While the situation in Greater Accra remains stable and the Central Region has recorded fewer cases, the worsening trend in the Western Region has been described as alarming.

The Institutional Care Division has called for a coordinated, multisectoral response to curb the spread and prevent further loss of life.