Ghana loses more than GH¢6.2 billion every year due to poor sanitation and inadequate waste management, according to a study by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana.
The study, titled “Waste or Wealth? The Economic Returns to Sanitation Investment in Ghana,” highlights the health and economic consequences of inadequate investment in sanitation and waste management.
According to the research, sanitation-related diseases contribute to about 31.9 million lost work and school days annually, while approximately 107,222 premature deaths are linked to the diseases.
The study estimates that GH¢5.58 billion is spent annually on direct medical treatment associated with these diseases, while a further GH¢650 million is lost through absenteeism and reduced productivity.
ISSER has called on the government to significantly increase investment in sanitation, drainage and environmental health, warning that poor sanitation is imposing a major economic burden on Ghana.
The researchers say rapid urbanisation, population growth and changing consumption patterns are increasing the volume of waste and putting pressure on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
ISSER recommends prioritising high-risk communities, including densely populated and flood-prone areas, while improving faecal sludge management and eliminating open refuse dumps.
The study estimates that Ghana currently invests only about GH¢38.78 per tonne of waste, compared with GH¢1,028 per tonne used as a benchmark for lower-middle-income countries in its best-case scenario.
ISSER argues that sanitation should be treated as an economic investment rather than simply a social or environmental obligation, as greater investment could reduce disease, improve productivity and save the country high costs.
The diseases identified as major contributors to the losses include malaria, cholera and typhoid, among others.
ISSER says the economic burden demonstrates the need for Ghana to treat sanitation and waste management as an investment rather than simply a social expense.
The research found that Ghana currently spends relatively little on waste management compared with the economic cost of poor sanitation. It estimates that for every GH¢1 invested in waste management, Ghana could receive about GH¢180 in economic returns under the current investment scenario. With increased investment to recommended levels, the returns could rise to about GH¢556 for every GH¢1 invested.
Researchers have therefore called for increased investment in sanitation, particularly in high-risk areas such as densely populated urban communities and flood-prone areas.
They also recommend strengthening the capacity of local authorities in planning, budgeting and data management to improve waste collection and sanitation services.
ISSER’s findings were presented at a stakeholder engagement in Accra on February 26, 2026, involving policymakers, local government officials, development partners and other stakeholders.
The study concludes that improving sanitation could reduce disease, save healthcare costs, improve productivity and generate significant economic benefits for Ghana.
