The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has raised concerns over the alarming increase in typhoid cases in the region, with reports indicating that the disease has claimed the lives of prominent individuals, including a traditional leader and a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Dambai.
In an interview on Joy FM’s Midday News, Mr Gyapong expressed deep concern over the situation in the regional capital, describing it as “bad” and “scary.” He highlighted the rapid spread of typhoid and the devastating impact it has had on the community.
“We lost one of our chiefs, the Asafoatse of Dambai Traditional Council, to typhoid. Many lives have been lost, including politicians. The former Chief Executive of Dambai succumbed to the disease,” he revealed.
The Public Health Department has reported a staggering 10,233 cases of typhoid in the Oti Region since the beginning of 2025. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for intervention to address the crisis.
Mr Gyapong attributed the surge in typhoid cases to the lack of a hospital in the regional capital and poor sanitation practices, particularly around the Oti Lake. He emphasized the critical need for improved sanitation and healthcare access to prevent further outbreaks of the disease.
Health officials have warned that two out of every twenty residents in the region have been affected by typhoid, underscoring the urgent need for immediate action to curb the spread of the disease.
The Oti Regional Minister’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public health and sanitation initiatives to protect the well-being of communities. It is imperative that government and local authorities work together to implement sustainable solutions to prevent future outbreaks of typhoid and other waterborne diseases.
Disclaimer: The views, comments, opinions, contributions, and statements made by readers and contributors on this platform do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Multimedia Group Limited.
