President John Dramani Mahama has directed all district assemblies across the country to deny building permits for any structure that does not include proper sanitation facilities.

The directive is part of efforts to tackle the persistent issue of open defecation, which continues to threaten public health and the environment in many parts of the country.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s 2025 Voluntary National Review of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on July 8, 2025, President Mahama emphasised the need for strict enforcement of building regulations.

He said all new residential, commercial, and public buildings must include functional toilet facilities before receiving approval.

“It is unacceptable that in 2025, open defecation persists in parts of Ghana. This is not just a public health issue; it is a matter of dignity and equity”, he stated.

In a report by citinewsroom.com on July 9, 2025, President Mahama questioned why open defecation remains widespread despite existing by-laws requiring sanitation facilities as a condition for building permits.

“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 asked.

He urged local authorities to step up enforcement and ensure full compliance.

“The District Assemblies must enforce their by-laws. No one should be allowed to build without sanitation facilities,” he stressed.

MRA/MA

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