Only 59.3% of households in Ghana have access to improved toilet facilities, highlighting the persistent sanitation challenges facing the country despite progress in access to clean drinking water, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has disclosed.
The figure is contained in a statement issued by the Ministry to mark the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development. It is based on data from Ghana’s 2021 Population and Housing Census.
The Ministry said the statistics demonstrate the urgent need for Ghana to accelerate investment in sanitation infrastructure and safe household toilet facilities, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.
Ghana Faces Major Sanitation Challenges
Although Ghana has recorded improvements in access to drinking water, sanitation remains a major development challenge.
The Ministry noted that inequalities persist in access to improved toilets, wastewater management and sustainable solid waste disposal services, affecting the health and quality of life of many communities.
According to the data, 87.7% of households have access to basic drinking water services, while 92% rely on improved sources of drinking water.
However, significant disparities exist between urban and rural communities. Access to basic drinking water services stands at 96.4% in urban areas, compared with 74.4% in rural communities.
The Ministry said these geographical disparities highlight the need for greater investment in rural water supply, sanitation and hygiene services across Ghana.
MMDAs Key to Improving WASH Services
The Ministry emphasized the critical role of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in planning, coordinating and delivering water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.
It said stronger local government institutions are essential to improving sanitation, strengthening community resilience and building inclusive and sustainable communities.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local governments through improved institutional capacity, sustainable financing and stronger partnerships with stakeholders.
These measures, it said, will help improve the delivery of water and sanitation services in Ghana and ensure that underserved communities are not left behind.
Government Calls for Stronger Partnerships
The Ministry also highlighted the importance of collaboration among Regional Coordinating Councils, MMDAs, Ghana Water Limited, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and religious institutions.
Such partnerships are considered essential to extending clean water and sanitation facilities to hard-to-reach communities while encouraging local residents to take ownership of development projects.
Traditional and religious leaders were also recognized for their role in community mobilisation, sanitation education, behavioural change and environmental protection.
The Ministry encouraged stakeholders to strengthen their commitment to decentralised governance and support local authorities in delivering sustainable water and sanitation services.
2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development
The 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development is being observed under the theme:
“Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063.”
The annual event is commemorated on August 10 in accordance with the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development.
The Ministry said Ghana’s ongoing decentralisation reforms are designed to strengthen local governance institutions and empower MMDAs to drive inclusive, sustainable and community-focused development.
Improving access to toilets, clean water, wastewater management and proper waste disposal remains crucial to achieving better public health outcomes and sustainable development in Ghana.
Source: newsthemegh.com