The Deputy General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) Dr Justice Yankson, says the country is recording more cholera cases because Ghanaians have refused to observe good hygienic practices recommended by the association and other stakeholders.
�We failed simply because we did not heed to the warning signs that were given. The Ghana Medical Assiociation[GMA] gave the alarm bells, the Regional Directorate of Health gave the alarm bells, somehow we went to sleep, we never found it expedient to implement measures and now we find ourselves in this situation,� he said.
The disease has claimed over 80 lives with more than 10,000 cases recorded across the country.
The Greater Accra region has recorded the highest number of cases so far.
The Ghana Health Service in a bid to prevent the further spread of the disease asked local assemblies to consider banning the sale of food on the street.
Food sellers however defied the directive and went on with their normal activities.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Dr. Justice Yankson said the situation is gradually become very alarming
�As we speak it is not only the Greater Accra region, in all we have seven regions out of the ten regions in the country having confirmed cases. If you look at the rate at which the numbers keep going up, it is not surprising that we are losing people as well�
Mr. Yankson, in that regard, urged Ghanaians to be bold and confront the situation to tackle the epidemic.
�We have gotten to a point where as I nation, we need to be bold to confront the situation and take drastic measures that are necessary to at least tackle the current epidemic and as we go on, we have to look at the broader issues that we need to solve as a country to have that long term goal that we all desire.�
He further advised health officials to visit the communities where the disease is prevalent.
�We need to face the situation head on. We need to go into the endemic communities. Look at the food and water that exist in these communities. We need to clamp down, educate them and tell them the reasons why we need to stop the activity and ensure that the community is safe,� he said.
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