The Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana has issued an urgent public health warning following severe floods that devastated parts of the Greater Accra, Central, and Volta Regions.
With critical infrastructure submerged and sanitation systems severely compromised, the Society highlighted the heightened threat of a secondary crisis, specifically a cholera outbreak driven by contaminated water and disrupted basic services.
The President of the Society, Rev. Dr Dennis Sena Awitty, noted that floodwaters create ideal breeding grounds for waterborne pathogens.
He stated that because local drainage networks have been overwhelmed, the risk of cross-contamination between sewage lines and open water sources has escalated significantly, turning standard public environments into food preparation hazards.
To counter the danger of contracting cholera and other diarrhoeal illnesses, the national pharmaceutical body strongly advises Ghanaians to rely on fresh, home-cooked meals. Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Rev. Dr Awitty told host Kwabena Agyapong that preparing food at home under strict hygienic conditions allows individuals to control water safety, ensure proper heat treatment, and completely avoid street-vended items that may have been exposed to hazardous floodwaters.
He urged the public to treat all drinking water strictly, wash hands thoroughly before cooking, and immediately discard any food items or medical supplies that have come into contact with floodwaters.
He emphasised that all drugs and other essentials submerged in the water must be disposed of.
“We encourage Ghanaians to drink only safe water by boiling it thoroughly or using approved purification methods if safety is uncertain,” Rev. Dr Awitty stated.
“People should wash their hands frequently with soap and clean water, especially before preparing food, before eating, and after using the toilet. It is equally vital to consume freshly prepared food and avoid anything exposed to floodwater or improperly stored. Additionally, we advise that all medicines submerged in floodwater be discarded, as their quality, safety, and effectiveness will have been compromised.”
He further advised parents against allowing children to play in stagnant floodwaters, which often contain harmful microorganisms, sharp objects, or hazardous chemicals.
He stressed the need for residents to sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets and eliminate standing water around homes to reduce mosquito breeding and malaria transmission.
He urged anyone developing symptoms such as severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever, persistent abdominal pain, skin infections, or dehydration to seek immediate medical attention.
Preventing future flooding, he argued, requires a sustained commitment from all stakeholders.
While government agencies and local authorities bear critical responsibilities for improving drainage systems, enforcing planning regulations, and strengthening urban infrastructure, citizens also play an indispensable role.
He encouraged Ghanaians to refrain from dumping refuse into drains, to participate actively in community sanitation, and to keep local gutters free from obstruction.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana