Oti records over 10,000 typhoid cases in six months
By Rebecca Okine
The Oti Region has recorded 10,233 confirmed cases of typhoid fever in the first half of 2025, raising serious public health concerns.
Data from the Oti Regional Health Directorate shows that the first quarter recorded 4,417 cases, followed by 5,816 in the second quarter, pointing to a sharp rise in infections.
Typhoid fever is primarily transmitted through contaminated food and water, and officials warn that the surge reflects longstanding sanitation and water safety challenges in the region.
Regional Environmental Health Officer, Cynthia Sekyere, described the trend as alarming.
“The Oti Health Directorate’s data confirms 10,233 cases in just two quarters of 2025. Poor sanitation, weak waste management systems and limited access to potable water remain the biggest drivers of this outbreak. This is a serious public health concern,” she said.
In response, the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC), in collaboration with environmental health officers, has inaugurated a sanitation task force.
The task force is expected to implement comprehensive sanitation programmes, strengthen waste disposal systems and expand access to clean water.
It will also enforce sanitation by-laws and prosecute offenders who disregard hygiene regulations.
Krachi West’s Municipal Chief Executive, Prosper Addo, stressed the importance of community involvement in tackling the outbreak.
“The outbreak is hitting vulnerable populations the hardest. Community participation is essential in promoting hygiene practices and supporting efforts to curb this challenge,” he explained.
Health officials are urging residents to adopt safe hygiene practices, ensure access to clean drinking water and cooperate with the interventions being rolled out.
