From Road Trips to Rest Stops: Ghana's Urgent Call for Clean and Accessible Toilet Facilities
I was recently on a road trip to Ghana’s Volta Region. We travelled on buses as a large group to go tree planting at a farm. The driver made a stop to allow for people to use the washroom, except there was no washroom.
He stopped in front of bushes so people could go urinate in the bush. Now, this was not a route where we couldn’t find a gas station to make the stop. But he chose to stop at this random place. Of course, all the men felt free to go stand in the bush and just pee. One woman also went to squat in the bush. The rest of us were not happy because this was not what we wanted for ourselves. I expressed this to the driver, and he promised to stop at the next gas station. When we did, the washroom was not clean, had no tissue, and there wasn’t soap and water to wash our hands. There wasn’t even sanitizer available to use or even buy in the shop.
One of the most challenging experiences you can have in Ghana is the lack of clean and accessible toilet facilities. As you travel the country, it becomes increasingly apparent, highlighting the urgent need for a major overhaul of public washrooms across the country. In a nation that prides itself on its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, it is disheartening to see such a basic need unfulfilled.
When embarking on a road trip in Ghana, one expects to encounter stunning landscapes, vibrant communities, and a chance to immerse oneself in the beauty of the country. This is definitely true. The country is beautiful. However, the persistent issue of inadequate toilet facilities poses a significant obstacle to this otherwise enjoyable experience. Gas station washrooms, commonly used by travelers, often lack basic essentials such as soap, tissue, and sanitizers. This not only compromises hygiene but also raises concerns about public health. This is why I often recommend that travellers carry hand sanitizer and tissues with them on road trips.
Additionally, bus drivers frequently stop for rest breaks, allowing passengers to relieve themselves on the roadside or in the bush. While this may seem like a quick solution, it disregards the comfort and dignity of individuals who prefer the use of proper restroom facilities. This lack of consideration is a pressing issue that needs attention from those in positions of power and influence.
(Photo: lindador.com)
On a more positive note, there are a few rest stops that stand as beacons of hope for road-trippers. One renowned example is Linda Dor Highway Rest Stop located Bunso en route to Kumasi. This well-known rest stop offers clean and functional toilets, providing much-needed relief for weary travelers. However, its scarcity further highlights the dire need for more rest stops like Linda Dor across the nation.
To promote domestic tourism and encourage visitors to explore the many wonders of Ghana, implementing proper and accessible restroom facilities becomes imperative. It is not only a matter of convenience but also an essential aspect of ensuring the well-being and comfort of tourists, especially women.
For women, particularly those who may be menstruating, the lack of suitable facilities during road trips in Ghana becomes an even greater obstacle. The absence of clean toilets with essential amenities often leaves them feeling vulnerable and uncomfortable, hindering their ability to fully enjoy their journey. This issue is not only a matter of convenience but also a question of inclusivity and gender equality.
The time has come for a comprehensive solution to this recurrent problem. Urgent actions must be taken by those in positions of power to address the lack of clean and well-maintained public washrooms across Ghana. Adequate funding should be allocated to ensure the availability of sanitized facilities at gas stations, rest stops, and other public spaces frequented by travelers. During the Covid-19 pandemic all these businesses proved they had the capacity to provide cleaner environments. Somehow as the pandemic has ended, it’s quickly forgotten the importance of being able to wash and sanitize your hands.
It’s time to break down the barriers that hinder the enjoyment of road trips and domestic tourism in Ghana.
By recognizing the importance of proper toilet facilities and acting upon it, Ghana can truly showcase its commitment to providing a hospitable and enjoyable experience for all its visitors. Let us embark on a journey towards better restroom facilities, where hygiene, comfort, and dignity are valued and upheld.
