By: Joyce Kantam Kolamong
In a small community in the Sagnarigu municipality of the Northern region, a young girl’s dream of having a customized toilet facility has finally come true. Rashida Aminu Timtooni, a 22-year-old living with a physical disability, has been given a new lease on life thanks to the intervention of Afram Plains Development Organization, ABDO, and Global Communities, a WASH non-governmental organization.
Rashida’s Struggle
Rashida’s struggles with accessing public toilets were a daily reality. She would often have to crawl through bushes and mud to reach a public toilet, only to face unhygienic conditions that left her feeling humiliated and undignified. The situation had become so dire that Rashida had changed her eating habits, opting to eat less or nothing at all to avoid visiting the toilet. But all of that changed when GBC News aired Rashida’s story, bringing attention to her plight.
ABDO and Global Communities were moved by her story and quickly sprang into action. They constructed a customized toilet facility and hand-washing device specifically designed for Rashida’s needs.
“I’m very excited and happy that at long last, one of my wishes has come true,” Rashida said, beaming with joy. “My dignity has been restored, and I’m no longer forced to endure the humiliation of using unhygienic public toilets.”
Rashida’s grandmother, Aishetu Abubakari, expressed her gratitude to ABDO, Global Communities, and GBC for amplifying Rashida’s plea for assistance. “We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity shown to our daughter,” she said. “This toilet facility has brought dignity and comfort to our family.”
Problem Highlights
According to data from the Northern Regional Office of Ghana Federation for Disability Organizations, there are approximately 126 persons with physical disabilities in the Tamale metropolis, with 60 percent are females. Rashida’s story highlights the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing convenient and comfortable public toilet facilities.
Lack of accessible WASH facilities denies people living with disabilities their basic human rights. Disability-friendly toilet facilities would decrease the dependency problem for those with disabilities.
Intervention
Programme Director of Afram Plains Development Organisation, Beata Ayimpoka Akanyene, said they were touched by Rashida’s story and quickly intervened to provide her with a special toilet facility and hand-washing device. “We combined two latrine technologies to build the most convenient toilet for Rashida,” She explained.
The impact of this intervention goes beyond Rashida’s individual story. ABDO has constructed over 60 circular lining model latrines in various districts of the Northern Region and trained over 120 persons in latrine artisanship. This initiative has not only improved the lives of individuals like Rashida but also contributed to the broader goal of promoting inclusivity and dignity for people with disabilities. As Rashida settles into her new life with dignity, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of accessible infrastructure in promoting human rights and dignity for all.
Rashida’s Joy Multiplies: Modernized Wheelchair with Chamber Pot
In a continuation of their support, Afram Plains Development Organization (ABDO) and partners presented Rashida Aminu Timtooni with a modernized wheelchair designed with a chamber pot. This thoughtful gift not only replaces her old and worn-out wheelchair but also addresses her specific needs, providing her with greater mobility and dignity. The wheelchair’s chamber pot feature is particularly significant, as it allows Rashida to manage her personal hygiene with ease and independence. This thoughtful design consideration has brought immense joy and relief to Rashida, further enhancing her quality of life.
Persons Living with Disabilities and Toilet Facilities
According to the Ghana Statistical Service, GSS, the Northern region has relatively high prevalence of physical disabilities with approximately 6.3 percent living with physical disabilities. The service, in its latest report, reported that about 69,340 females out of 126,011 individuals with disabilities struggle with various forms of physical disabilities. Of these, 3,186 females live with visual impairments, with 735 experiencing significant difficulties.
Data from the Waste Management Department of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, in the Northern region, indicates that there are about 147 public/community toilets in the metropolis, out of which 90 of them are in a compromised state. Some of them have turned into haven for dangerous animals and criminals and while some of them have become death traps. Only seven of these toilets are disability friendly and user friendly accessories.
A visit by GBCNews to some of the public/community toilets observed largely that these toilets are in a sorry state and by standard, they do not deem fit for use. The news team also observed that the management of the public/community toilets by party foot soldiers during regimes has created a critical challenge for the Waste Management Department to execute their duty of ensuring clean and accessible toilets for all.
The lack of accessible and inclusive facilities exacerbates the plight of persons living with disabilities forcing many to resort to unhygienic and unsafe practices.
A Call for Inclusion
Persons with disabilities have expressed hope that they too can receive assistance to access improved toilet facilities, following Rashida’s customized toilet. They acknowledge the struggles they face in accessing public toilets and have called on relevant authorities for help.
Former Convener of the Northern Regional Chapter of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, GFDOs, Seidu Chentimah, stated that the group is willing to accept subsidized prices for toilet construction in their homes.
He plans to write officially to the assembly or WASH organizations to request consideration for subsidized toilet provision.
“Having accessible toilets at home will boost the confidence and dignity of persons with disabilities”, Mr. Chentimah emphasized.
Conclusion/Recommendation
In today’s society, inclusivity and accessibility are essential values that should be prioritized. One area where this is particularly important is in water, sanitation and hygiene. For individuals with disabilities, a proper toilet facility that is not designed with their needs in mind can be a major obstacle to independence and everyday tasks.
This underscores the need for the government and stakeholders to ensure public toilets and restrooms are disability friendly to promote inclusivity and equal access for all individuals.
In addition to promoting inclusivity, disability friendly toilet system and restrooms would play a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Accessible restrooms are designed to accommodate the specific needs of people with disabilities, making it easier for them to use the facilities independently and comfortably. Features such as grab bars and wheelchair-accessible stalls help to prevent accidents and injuries, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can use the toilet with confidence and dignity.
The Sustainable Development Goal, SDG, 10, is aimed to reduce inequality within and among countries, including for persons with disabilities.
Creating an inclusive and accessible society is crucial for people with disabilities like Rashida to feel safe, valued and empowered to thrive. By working together, we can build a society that supports the wellbeing and dignity of all individuals regardless of their abilities.
