Fourteen (14) residents of Sekondi in the Western Region have been arrested by the Environmental Sanitation Taskforce of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), on Friday, 26th February 2021, for engaging in an open defecation.
They were fined a spot fee of GH¢ 200 after which they were cautioned to refrain from such misconduct.
In a statement issued and signed by the Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO), Miss Hawa Adam, the arrest is in accordance with the Assembly’s effort to reduce open defecation in the Metropolis to ensure a clean and hygienic environment for its people.
According to Section 14 of the Assembly’s bye-law on Solid and Liquid Waste Management, “No person shall defecate or urinate in any public or open place other than in an approved toilet facility”.
The 14 persons arrested are Emmanuel Appiah, Richard Asmah, Laminu Sulley, Kwesi, Isaac, Laminu Iddi, Nora Arun, Ibrahim Nuru, Hamza Iddi, Assim Abdulai, Ansu Abdulai, Adama Naji, John Aggrey and Atta Kakra.
Ten were arrested at Sekondi Kokompe, while two were arrested at Essaman and one at Sekondi Third Street.
Environmental Health Officer for the STMA, Johnson Ayrah who added his voice to the phenomenon said the Assembly was committed to the fight against open defecation.
He emphasized that the Assembly was not going to stop this exercise until such practices were completely eradicated from the Metropolis.
Story: News Desk
