The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has restated government’s resolve to equip Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) with the tools to upgrade water and sanitation delivery nationwide.
While 87.7 per cent of households can access basic drinking water, gaps remain wide. Urban areas record 96.4 per cent coverage, but rural communities lag behind at 74.4 per cent. On sanitation, the figures are lower. Only 59.3 per cent of homes have access to improved toilet facilities.
The Ministry said this points to the urgent need for more funding for sanitation infrastructure, sewage treatment and waste management systems. The remarks were contained in an August 10 statement as Ghana marked the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development alongside other AU member states.
This year’s theme is “Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063.”
The Ministry stressed that building stronger local structures, boosting community involvement, and maintaining steady partnerships will be key to tackling Ghana’s water and sanitation problems and driving long-term development.
