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Ghana celebrated World Handwashing Day (GHD) alongside the global community yesterday, urging the public to embrace hand hygiene as a regular habit rather than a single-day event.

This is because handwashing, although it may appear to be a simple action, is still one of the most effective public health measures ever recognized, as it not only helps prevent illnesses but also saves lives and safeguards families and communities.

Every year on October 15, Global Handwashing Day takes place, aiming to highlight the significance of proper hand hygiene in stopping illnesses and promoting changes at both policy and community levels.

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, who issued the statement yesterday in Accra, highlighted that hand hygiene, especially thorough handwashing with soap using running water, continues to be essential in minimizing the chances of infections and disease outbreaks.

On the topic: “Be a Handwashing Hero,” this year’s WHD highlights the importance of correct handwashing practices among the public, particularly within healthcare facilities and organizations.

The event featured the signing of a promise, in which attendees committed themselves to becoming a Handwashing Hero to protect lives.

The statement said: “I promise to wash my hands constantly—before meals, after using the restroom, after taking care of children, after dealing with garbage, and whenever cleanliness is necessary. I promise to encourage handwashing in my family, school, office, and neighborhood, and to back programs and regulations that provide everyone in Ghana with access to handwashing facilities. Today, I commit to becoming a handwashing hero—saving lives with each wash. So help me God.”

Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim expressed concern that numerous public schools and rural health centers still do not have working handwashing stations, urging involved parties to enhance local leadership, obtain specific funding, encourage community involvement, and maintain ongoing education and enforcement to support hygiene initiatives.

“Beyond health, handwashing forms the basis of national strength and long-term development,” he stated.

He requested all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to work with business groups to guarantee that each structure or retail location has a clearly visible and operational handwashing facility.

“Let us transform Ghana into a nation where integrity is a common identity, a national responsibility, and a standard of public health,” the Minister added.

Additional collaborators, such as the World Bank, UNICEF, World Health Organization, Ministry of Health, Ghana Education Service, CONIWAS, and the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources, have committed their backing to the government’s initiatives aimed at encouraging hand hygiene and enhancing access to handwashing stations.

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Tagged: Ghana, Health and Medicine, West Africa

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