M-CODe national leaders engages World Vision WASH expert to revamp advocacy push

In a renewed push to eliminate open defecation by 2030, the Media Coalition against Open Defecation (M-CODe) national leadership has called on World Vision Ghana’s Technical Specialist for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to help restructure the coalition and craft bold strategies that will re-energise journalists as frontline advocates.

The high-level consultative meeting, held in Accra, was attended by Mr Francis Ameyibor, M-CODe National Convenor; Mr Emmanuel Addai, M-CODE Patron; Mr Frank Ofosu Appiah, M-CODe Administrator; and Mrs Benedicta Folly Gyesi, M-CODe National Secretary, and was received by Mr Yaw Atta Arhin, World Vision Ghana WASH Technical Specialist.

The high-level consultative meeting focused on reversing the dwindling media engagement on sanitation and forging a progressive, professional, and dynamic path forward for the coalition.

Statistical data indicate that Ghana has made measurable gains, with open defecation rates dropping from 22 per cent in 2010 to 11.7 per cent in 2024, yet progress has stalled in Northern, Upper East, and parts of Greater Accra, where infrastructure gaps and behavioural norms persist.

The M-CODe leadership presented a proposal document titled "Revitalising the Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODe) for sustainable change in Ghana: a strategic initiative to amplify advocacy, influence policy, and accelerate Ghana’s journey to an open defecation-free status by 2030" to World Vision through Mr Attah Arhin.

Mr Attah Arhin, on behalf of World Vision Ghana, commended the leadership for the proactive initiative to revamp M-CODe and noted that the proposal would be forwarded to the appropriate authorities for deliberation and action.

Mr Ameyibor expressed concern that advocacy fatigue has set in the media advocacy against open defecation and stressed the need for a purposeful reset that treats journalists not as event reporters but as sustained partners in behaviour change advocacy.

He noted that M-CODe was established in September 2018 through the support of World Vision Ghana and Kings Hall Media to harness the power of the media in advocating for improved sanitation.

Mr Ameyibor recounted that M-CODe has previously played a pivotal role through its regional branches and national team in bringing sanitation issues to public attention, holding duty-bearers accountable for sanitation commitments, and amplifying community voices and concerns.

However, Mr Ameyibor noted the coalition's momentum has waned due to inconsistent funding, limited advanced training opportunities for members, and shifting media priorities.

“This advocacy relapse has created a vacuum, allowing open defecation to remain a low-priority issue for policymakers and the public alike,” he noted and stressed the need for the enhanced World Vision Ghana support to change the narratives.

Mr Ameyibor said the revitalisation intervention adopts a refined strategic focus on M-CODe's core mandate: media advocacy, capacity strengthening, and high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at eliminating open defecation from Ghana.

“The intervention will transform M-CODe from a passive network into a powerful, proactive advocacy force by consistently building capacity to enhance the investigative, advocacy, and digital storytelling skills of journalists across 16 regions.”

“World Vision Ghana will be expected to play a key supporting role in the successful implementation of the project by providing a range of technical, financial, and institutional support mechanisms,” Mr Ameyibor stressed to revitalising M-CODe and called for World Vision Ghana support.

Mr Addai, contributing to the discussion, explained that the M-CODe revitalisation strategy also hinges on engaging high-level traditional and political leaders to secure at least 35 concrete commitments and the re-launch of a targeted multi-platform campaign to reach 1.5 million Ghanaians directly.

“This focused approach will trigger increased government investment, foster policy action, and create sustainable advocacy structures for long-term impact,” he stated.

He also noted that it would focus on establishing a formal secretariat, clear membership criteria, and a performance charter for media houses.

Mr Addai noted that Ghana stands at a critical juncture in its quest to achieve Open Defecation Free status by 2030. With strategic support, M-CODe can be revitalised into a powerful, sustainable advocacy force.

“We invite World Vision Ghana to partner with us in this urgent and impactful initiative. Together, we can reignite the media's power as a catalyst for change, ensuring that every Ghanaian can live with dignity, health, and safety,” Mr Addai stated.

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