Only 59.3% of Ghanaian households have access to improved toilet facilities – Ministry of Local Government

Access to basic drinking water services in Ghana stands at 96.4% in urban areas compared with 74.4% in rural communities, exposing a 22-percentage-point gap in access, according to data cited by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The figures highlight persistent disparities in access to essential water services despite progress at the national level. According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census data referenced by the Ministry, 87.7% of households nationwide have access to basic drinking water services, while 92% use improved sources of drinking water.

However, the urban-rural divide remains significant, with rural households lagging considerably behind their urban counterparts. The Ministry says the disparity underscores the need for continued investment in water infrastructure and stronger local-level interventions, particularly in underserved communities. The figures were highlighted as Ghana joined other African countries to commemorate the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development on Monday, August 10.

This year’s observance is themed “Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063.” The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs said empowering Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) is critical to improving access to essential services, including water and sanitation. It said government is working to strengthen local governments through improved institutional capacity, sustainable financing arrangements and partnerships involving Regional Coordinating Councils, MMDAs, Ghana Water Limited and the Community Water and Sanitation Agency. Development partners, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and religious institutions are also expected to play a role in addressing water and sanitation challenges.

The Ministry said traditional and religious leaders are particularly important in mobilising communities, promoting responsible water use and supporting local initiatives aimed at improving sanitation and environmental management. It said reducing the gap between urban and rural communities would require sustained investment and stronger local institutions capable of responding to the specific needs of their communities. Only 59.3% of households in Ghana have access to improved toilet facilities, highlighting persistent gaps in sanitation despite progress in other areas of water and sanitation delivery.

The figure, cited by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, means a significant proportion of households still lack access to improved sanitation facilities. The Ministry said the situation remains a concern, particularly in underserved communities where access to safe and dignified sanitation services continues to lag. The data forms part of the country’s broader Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) picture highlighted as Ghana marked the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development on Monday, August 10.

While 87.7% of Ghanaian households have access to basic drinking water services, sanitation outcomes remain a major challenge. The Ministry also pointed to inequalities in access to improved household toilet facilities, alongside challenges with wastewater management and sustainable solid waste disposal. “Addressing these challenges requires stronger local institutions, enhanced community participation and increased investments in sanitation infrastructure and services across the country,” the Ministry said.