Afia Ohemeng
Before the global pandemic which is COVID-19 made its way into Ghana, Veronica buckets were seldom in use. The narrative changed when the country began its fight against the destructive virus. Suddenly Veronica buckets were visible at every corner store and in front of various offices.
Schools and offices were advised to purchase the smart invention to help with maintaining good hand hygiene practices.
The buckets were bumped from a barely needed item to an essential part in fighting the Coronavirus.
WHAT ARE VERONICA BUCKETS?
A Veronica Bucket is a bucket fixed with a tap near the bottom of the said bucket. Ideally, the bucket (complimented with soap) is then placed above a basin to collect runoff .
MEET MRS. VERONICA BEKOE
The essential bucket was invented by Mrs. Veronica Bekoe, a Ghanaian biological scientist.
With over 30 years experience in medical laboratory practise, Mrs. Veronica was the former head of the National Public Reference Laboratory in Accra. The inventor also has extensive experience in development and implementation of (but not limited to) training manuals,guidelines for laboratory diagnostics among others.
It was during her time at the laboratory that she was inspired to invent the veronica bucket.
She has also worked as a focal person for the National AIDS/STI Control Program (NACP).
She is also a member of the board of NGO, Centre for Health System Strengthening (CfHSS).
Mrs Veronica Bekoe has been honoured by many institutions including the Ghana Health Service. In 2019, she was among seven other women to be honoured by the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, to climax the celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD).
