Mahama Directs Assemblies to Deny Permits for Buildings Without Toilets
President calls on local authorities to enforce sanitation bylaws and deny permits for buildings lacking toilet facilities.
- Mahama directs assemblies to reject building plans lacking sanitation facilities
- The directive aims to eliminate unsafe and undignified sanitation practices
- President urges local authorities to uphold sanitation rules already in place
President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive to all district assemblies: refuse building permits for any structure that does not include adequate toilet facilities.
This bold move aims to tackle the ongoing problem of open defecation, which remains a serious public health and environmental concern across various parts of Ghana.
At the launch of Ghana’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Voluntary National Report, President Mahama emphasized the urgent need to uphold building regulations that require all new homes, businesses, and public buildings to have proper sanitation systems.
“In 2025, it is unacceptable that open defecation still exists in our communities,” he stated. “This is more than just a health issue—it’s about dignity, fairness, and responsible governance. We know what needs to be done; now it’s time to act.”
The President expressed frustration over the ongoing issue, questioning why open defecation remains prevalent when local by-laws already demand toilets as a condition for permit approval.
“All assemblies have regulations that say you can’t get a permit without including sanitation. So why are people still using the bush?” he asked, even referencing common jokes about the so-called “free range” method.
Mahama called on local authorities to strictly enforce these by-laws and hold violators accountable. “It’s time for assemblies to take their responsibilities seriously—no more permits for buildings without toilets,” he concluded.
