A public toilet facility at Aboadze in the Shama District of the Western Region has become the center of controversy following its alleged closure. The facility, built for the local community, was reportedly locked after the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2024 Parliamentary Candidate for the area, Isaac Kwamina Afful, lost the election.
Emmanuel Avevor, the current Assembly Member for Aboadze, claims that only known NPP members are being allowed access to the facility. He described the situation as discriminatory and unacceptable. Mr Avevor alleged that the toilet has been locked by the former Assembly Member and NPP Electoral Area Coordinator, who, along with his wife, holds the only keys.
He emphasized that the facility was funded and constructed by the Lower Pra Rural Bank for the benefit of the entire Aboadze community and should not be treated as the private property of any political party. “This is a community project, not an NPP facility. Denying residents access based on political affiliation is unfair,” he stated.
The toilet facility was officially handed over in 2024 by Isaac Kwamina Afful, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Lower Pra Rural Bank. His involvement in the project has led some to associate the toilet with his political campaign. However, critics argue that such a vital public amenity should not be politicized.
In response, Peaceful Baidoo, a former Presiding Member and past Assembly Member for the area, refuted the allegations. He insisted that the facility has been open to the public since its commissioning. “To my knowledge, the toilet has not been locked. It was operational during my last visit two weeks ago,” he said.
Baidoo further dismissed claims that the NPP or its 2024 candidate is attempting to control the facility. He pointed out that similar toilet projects were carried out in other communities like Aboasi, Nyankrom, and Anto Aboso, some of which were completed after the elections. “These were not campaign tools—they were development projects,” he noted.
Despite the reassurances, Emmanuel Avevor remains unconvinced. He is calling for an official public announcement to confirm that the toilet is open and accessible to all. He also suggested that management of the facility be handed over to the current assembly and trusted community leaders to prevent future political interference.