Datoyili, a suburb of the Tamale Metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana last Saturday witnessed the sod cutting ceremony by the Ghana Chapter of Junior Chamber International (JCI) to commence the construction of a 20- seater aqua latrine to reduce the open defecation in the township and improve the livelihood of the people.

The project that was initiated by the Tamale chapter of JCI Ghana, was realized after an extensive need analysis in some communities in the metropolis. Datoyili, a rural community located in the Tamale South constituency of the Tamale Metropolis.

The community population stands at 1338 people and the habitants are largely peasants. Their minimum daily income falls below the minimum wage standard set by the Government of Ghana.

They currently do not have any place of convenience and there is no home that has a toilet facility hence they do defecate in the open.

JCI is a worldwide community of young active citizens between 18 – 40 years who share the belief that in order to create positive impact, we must take collective action to improve ourselves and the world around us.

Engaging in activities ranging from community development to international projects, members demonstrate their social responsibility and improve themselves through participation in social and economically beneficial activities.

Speaking at the commissioning of the project, the 2015 National President of JCI Ghana, Mr. Albert Ankrah said the project was meant to reduce the high rate of open defecation in the community and to improve the lives of the people.

Mr. Ankrah together with some board members promised to support the project with an initial deposit of GHc 1000.

The Chief of the area Bawa Lansah expressed his appreciation to the organization for the project and said his doors are always open whenever they call on him.

The chief linguist on behalf of the chief and the people of Datoyili thanked JCI Ghana for their immense support in grooming the youth to become responsible citizens and for the visit.

The Assemblyman of the area, Hon. Abu Haruna who could not hide his joy indicated that the project would go a long way to help the people of the community.

He assured the organization of his fullest support for the construction and maintenance of the facility.

He said the community was facing serious environmental problems and believes JCI Ghana will be a strong pillar in the development of the community.

He therefore called on the authorities and other benevolent organizations to also offer their support in the development of the community.