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President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the practice of open defecation on the shorelines of Accra. That practice and other personal insanitary activities, he said, were major contributors to the cholera scourge in the capital city. Inaugurating the refurbished Iran Clinic in Accra yesterday, President Mahama said the rate at which cholera was killing people was unacceptable because the disease was preventable. Built by the Islamic Republic of Iran 25 years ago, the clinic has been a major contributor to healthcare in Accra. It serves residents of Adabraka, Accra New Town, Nima and Maamobi, all in Accra. Cholera situation The President said the fight against cholera should not rest on the government alone. "The cholera outbreak is a call for all of us to move into action to stop the spread," he stressed, and added that it was incumbent on everyone to observe proper hygiene. He said keeping the environment clean was the responsibility of the public and not necessarily that of the government. Iran President Mahama commended the Iranian Government for the establishment of the clinic, especially as it served some of the deprived areas of Accra. He indicated that the clinic was a symbol of the friendship between Iran and Ghana and said although the facility had been designated a clinic, it was providing great services like many well-known hospitals. Iranian ambassador The Iranian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Mohamad Solemani, said the efforts of President Mahama towards changing the face of development in the country for the better were well recognised. He said Iran would, therefore, continue to collaborate with Ghana towards charting a progressive path for the country. The President of the Iran Red Crescent Society, Mr Mohammed Farhadi described the 25-year existence of the clinic as a success. He said currently Iran had about 30 medical centres in more than 20 countries, with 12 of the centres being in Africa.