The Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Prof Samuel Kaba Akoriyea has ordered an immediate end to fees charged for the use of public toilets in government-run health facilities, calling the practice exploitative and counterproductive to public health efforts as the country braces for a potential surge in cholera cases.

In a circular dated April 16 and distributed to all regional directors, Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Professor Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, directed health administrators to cease charging patients and visitors for washroom use, emphasizing that such amenities are integral to hospital infrastructure and not revenue streams.

“Our attention has been drawn to the charging of fees at Ghana Health Service facilities,” Akoriyea wrote. “The washrooms must at all times be kept clean and comfortable to prevent the risk of infection, improve perception of patient care quality and increase patient satisfaction.”

Facility heads who fail to comply with the directive will face sanctions, according to the memo.

The directive comes as the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate issues a public call for heightened sanitation practices and stronger health messaging, warning of a growing threat of cholera as the rainy season begins. The region has already recorded several infections tied to contaminated food and water—conditions exacerbated by seasonal flooding and poor sanitation infrastructure.

As of late February, Accra Metro, Ada East, Ablekuma Central, Ga South, and Weija Gbawe were identified as the hardest-hit districts, with the country reporting more than 6,100 suspected cholera cases and 49 deaths since August.

“The public isn’t receiving adequate, accurate information,” said Eunice Joan Teah Dzagli, Health Promotion Manager for the Greater Accra Region. “Our goal is zero cholera this rainy season. To achieve this, we need all hands on deck.”

Health officials are appealing for media support to ensure consistent, responsible communication, warning that misinformation could exacerbate the crisis.

With public health systems under strain and heavy rains threatening further outbreaks, authorities say community hygiene, sanitation awareness, and accessible public health infrastructure—including free and sanitary restrooms—are crucial to preventing the spread of disease.

Source:TheDotNews