A grave sanitation crisis looms over Ghana as over 90% of households without toilet facilities are forced to resort to open defecation in 13 regions, according to the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research's (ISSER) 2022 social development outlook.

The report highlights significant disparities in access to toilet facilities, with 59.3% of households having such facilities in 2021.

Urban areas fare better, with 65.9% of households having access, compared to only 49.1% in rural areas.

The alarming statistics reveal that more than 30% of households in the northern belt, including the Bono East and Oti regions, lack toilet facilities altogether.

Among households with some access to sanitation facilities, about 43% use improved and exclusive toilets, while over half rely on improved but shared facilities. This includes both rural (55.4%) and urban (54.8%) areas, highlighting the need for improvements in sanitation infrastructure across the board.

Regional disparities are particularly concerning, with higher rates of open defecation recorded in the Northern (78.9%), Upper East (78.3%), Savannah (76.5%), Upper West (63.2%), North-East (60.3%), and Bono East (57%) regions. Urban areas in the North-East, Savannah, Upper East, Northern, and Oti regions also face significant challenges in combatting open defecation.

The consequences of open defecation extend beyond the immediate health risks, impacting the overall well-being and environmental sustainability of communities.

The report emphasises the urgent need for strong collaboration between the government and all stakeholders to tackle this issue effectively.

To combat open defecation, the report suggests the implementation of targeted programs and initiatives to provide improved and exclusive toilet facilities to households in affected regions. Additionally, increased investment in infrastructure, including the expansion of water supply networks, is crucial to ensuring access to adequate sanitation services.

Education plays a vital role in changing behaviours and attitudes towards open defecation. Therefore, there is a pressing need to prioritize educational campaigns that raise awareness about the health hazards associated with open defecation and promote the importance of proper sanitation practices.