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All district assemblies are to refuse building licenses for any construction that does not have adequate sanitary facilities, under President John Dramani Mahama’s directive.
In various regions of the nation, open defecation is still a problem that poses a threat to public health and the environment. The instruction is a part of increased efforts to address this issue.
During the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Voluntary National Report launch, President Mahama urged rigorous adherence to building codes to guarantee that all new public, commercial, and residential buildings have functional restrooms.
“It is unacceptable that in 2025, open defecation persists in parts of Ghana,” he said. “This is not just a public health issue; it is a matter of dignity and equity. Our sanitation crisis is not caused by a lack of knowledge, but by gaps in investment, enforcement, and community engagement. We must act decisively to end this practice.”
Despite current bylaws requiring sanitation facilities as a condition of building licenses, the President asked why the issue persists.
“All district assemblies have in their by-laws that you can’t obtain a building permit without providing sanitation facilities. So, how is it that people are still defecating in the open—what many jokingly refer to as ‘free range’? The most disturbing part is that some say they prefer it because they get ‘air conditioning at their rear end.’”
He urged local authorities to live up to their mandates and crack down on non-compliance. “The district assemblies must enforce their bylaws. No one should be allowed to build without sanitation facilities,” President stated.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
