President John Dramani Mahama has directed all district assemblies to withhold building permits for any construction that lacks proper sanitation facilities.
He made this disclosure while speaking at the launch of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Voluntary National Report.
The President stated that the directive is part of his administration’s efforts to address open defecation.
He emphasised the need for strict enforcement of building regulations to ensure that all new residential, commercial, and public structures are equipped with functional toilet facilities.
“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.”
“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 charged the local authorities to ensure compliance and delay with those who will breach the by-laws.
“The district assemblies must enforce their bylaws. No one should be allowed to build without sanitation facilities,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
