Ghana has collected GHS 2.03 billion through the Sanitation and Pollution Levy since 2021. This levy, a 10 pesewa charge on every litre of petrol and diesel, was introduced under the Energy Sector Levies Act. Its purpose was to fund critical interventions like improving air quality, building waste treatment facilities, and eliminating open defecation.
Despite these substantial collections, Accra continues to grapple with widespread filth in markets, drains, and roadsides. Finance Ministry data reveals that GHS 1.51 billion of the collected amount had been spent by the end of 2024. A significant portion, approximately GHS 1.2 billion or 80%, was used for maintaining landfill sites and waste treatment facilities.
This situation highlights a critical accountability issue within Ghana's public finance management. The levy was specifically designed to address a range of sanitation challenges. However, the allocation of funds has not fully aligned with its stated objectives, leading to persistent environmental problems.
JoyNews Explains reported that GHS 100 million went to improving air quality. GHS 95.9 million was spent on fumigation and disinfection efforts. Additionally, GHS 74.7 million was allocated to waste treatment infrastructure. Notably, GHS 0 was spent on constructing sanitation facilities to eliminate open defecation, despite this being a core objective of the levy.
The implications are significant for public health and environmental sustainability in Ghana. The lack of investment in basic sanitation infrastructure, particularly for open defecation, poses serious health risks to communities. It also undermines the broader goal of creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all citizens.
As of the end of 2024, the Sanitation and Pollution Account held GHS 180.5 million. The GHS 298 million collected in 2025 has no official account of its usage yet. Adding the 2025 collections suggests the account could now hold roughly GHS 478 million, assuming no additional withdrawals have been made.
The ongoing sanitation crisis also sparked a legal debate regarding presidential directives. Following recent floods, President John Dramani Mahama declared National General Cleaning Days in July 2026. Private legal practitioner Samson Lardy Anyenini challenged the legality of compelling citizens to participate without specific assembly by-laws. This incident underscores the complexities of enforcing sanitation measures and the need for clear legal frameworks.
The persistent filth in Accra is not solely a funding problem. Much of the rubbish found in public spaces results from individual choices to litter rather than use bins. This behavioural aspect requires public education and stricter enforcement of existing sanitation laws. Addressing Ghana's sanitation challenges demands both financial accountability and a change in public attitudes towards waste management.
The government must provide a clear and detailed account of how all funds from the Sanitation and Pollution Levy have been utilized. Future allocations should strictly adhere to the levy's original objectives, especially for critical areas like open defecation elimination. Public engagement and education campaigns are also essential to foster a culture of cleanliness among citizens.