The Oti Regional Minister, John Kwadwo Gyapong, has confirmed that the escalating typhoid outbreak in the region has led to the deaths of prominent individuals, including a traditional leader and a former Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Dambai.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News on Tuesday, August 26, Mr. Gyapong described the situation in the regional capital as both “alarming” and “frightening,” stressing that the disease is spreading rapidly and claiming lives.

He revealed that on Monday, August 25, the Asafoatse of the Dambai Traditional Council passed away due to typhoid, while a former Dambai MCE also succumbed to the illness. “So many lives have already been lost,” he lamented.

The Minister’s disclosure follows a report from the Public Health Department, which recorded 10,233 cases of typhoid in the Oti Region since January 2025.

Mr. Gyapong attributed the crisis to the lack of a hospital in the regional capital and poor sanitation practices, particularly around Lake Oti.

Health experts warn that two out of every twenty residents in the region are currently affected, sparking urgent calls for improved sanitation measures and better access to healthcare facilities.