The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) says effective January 1, 2010, the use of pan latrines in the metropolis has been outlawed. As of this date as many as 5,294 households were still using this type of facility.

Under the Ghana Environmental Sanitation Policy, all pan latrines nationwide are expected to be phased-out this year, says Mr Daniel Kofi Opare, Head of Environmental Protection and Standard Enforcement. Under the Urban Environmental Service Project (UESP), there are interventions for households who wish to convert their pan latrines to approved facilities.

Consequently, the assembly has warned that it will begin prosecuting offenders, since it has given enough public education for residents to convert their facilities to approved ones.

According to the Director of Metro Public Health, Dr Simpson Anim Boateng, pan latrines were being used all across the city though very common at areas such as Nima, Avenor, La, Nii Boi Town and Lapaz.

Source: Peace FM, 06 Jan 2010