Ghana: Upper East Battles Open Defecation As 63 Percent Lack Toilet Access

What the report says

World Vision Ghana is calling on stakeholders in the Upper East Region to move beyond awareness campaigns and take practical steps on water, sanitation and hygiene, after saying 63% of residents still practise open defecation. The warning was given by the organisation’s Interim National Director, Joshua Baidoo, at the Regional Hygiene and WASH Leadership Summit 2026 in Bolgatanga, the regional capital, according to the Ghanaian Times report carried by AllAfrica on 5 November 2026.

Baidoo said the sanitation gap threatens public health and makes it harder for Ghana to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, which covers clean water and sanitation. He argued that progress will depend on turning summit discussions into concrete action, especially in underserved communities that still lack safe water, proper toilets and basic hygiene facilities. He also highlighted handwashing with soap as a low-cost measure that can help reduce disease and support school attendance, healthcare safety and productivity.

The regional minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, praised World Vision Ghana for convening the summit and said previous governments had not done enough to address the WASH crisis. He said the current government is investing in water infrastructure and wants stronger collaboration with development partners. He also pointed to the region’s 10-year PEARL development framework as a possible guide for future coordination.