It is a common norm to pay either GH¢2, GH¢1 or in some instances GH¢0.50pesewas for the usage of public washrooms in many parts of Ghana.

The practice has gradually extended to many health facilities, following which the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in a circular to all regional directors, has noted that its attention has been drawn to the charging of fees for use of washrooms in some Ghana Health Service facilities.

In the circular dated April 16, 2025, and signed by Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the acting Director General of the GHS, Regional Directors of the GHS were accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect. 

It said failure by facility heads to adhere to this directive will attract sanctions.

The GHS noted that the washrooms are an integral part of the hospital infrastructure, intended to provide comfort for patients and visitors, and should not be used as avenues for exploitation.

"The washrooms must all times be kept clean and comfortable to prevent the risk of infection, improve perception of patient care quality, and increase patient satisfaction.

"Regional Directors are accordingly requested to ensure that this practice ceases with immediate effect. Failure by facility heads to adhere to this directive will attract sanctions.

"Kindly bring this to the notice of Heads of facilities for strict compliance," it added.