The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has issued a directive banning the charging of fees for the use of washrooms in all GHS-operated hospitals across the country.
The directive, issued on April 16th, 2025, and signed by Acting Director-General, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akorivea, follows reports that some health facilities were imposing charges on patients and visitors for accessing restroom facilities.
The official statement, addressed to all Regional Directors of Health Service, emphasised that washrooms are an integral part of hospital infrastructure and are intended to provide comfort and sanitation for patients and visitors.
The GHS explicitly stated that these facilities should not be used as “avenues for exploitation.”
The directive further underscored the importance of health workers maintaining clean and comfortable washrooms to prevent the risk of infection, improve patient care perception, and enhance overall patient satisfaction.
“Our attention has been drawn to the charging of fees for use of washrooms in some Ghana Health Service facilities,” the statement reads.
“It must be 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 GHS has instructed Regional Directors to ensure the immediate cessation of the practice in their respective jurisdictions.
“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,” the statement warned.
The GHS also urged all healthcare facilities to prioritise the cleanliness and maintenance of their washrooms, emphasising that these facilities are crucial for maintaining a hygienic and comfortable environment for both patients and staff.
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