Ghana loses more than GHS 6.2 billion every year due to diseases linked to poor waste management and sanitation, a new study by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research at the University of Ghana has revealed.

The findings were presented at a high-level stakeholder engagement in Accra, on Thursday, 26th February 2026, where policymakers, Members of Parliament, local government officials, development partners and private sector actors gathered to examine the economic case for increased sanitation investment.

The research, led by Prof. Peter Quartey and Dr. Kwame Adjei-Mantey, is titled “An Economic Analysis of the Benefits of Adequate Investment in Waste Management and Sanitation in Ghana.” It assessed both the economic and social consequences of current sanitation practices and modelled the potential gains from improved financing.

According to the study, five diseases closely associated with poor sanitation malaria, cholera, pneumonia, typhoid fever and diarrhoea account for nearly 31.9 million lost workdays each year and an estimated 177,222 deaths. The researchers calculated direct medical costs at about GHS 5.8 billion annually, with an additional GHS 650 million lost through reduced productivity, bringing the total burden to over GHS 6.2 billion.

Despite these losses, Ghana currently spends an average of about GHS 38 per tonne of waste generated. The researchers described this as modest compared to the scale of the health and economic damage linked to poor sanitation systems.

Using cost-benefit modelling, the team found that under the current business-as-usual approach, every GHS 1 invested in waste management generates about GHS 180 in economic returns. However, under a best-case scenario — where investment rises to approximately GHS 1,028 per tonne in line with lower-middle-income benchmarks returns could increase to GHS 556 per GHS 1 invested.

In total terms, projected national benefits under the enhanced investment scenario could reach about GHS 58 billion in 2025 and rise further to GHS 67.2 billion by 2032. The projected gains are driven largely by sharp reductions in disease incidence, mortality and productivity losses.

Presenting the findings, Prof. Quartey urged government to stop treating sanitation as a residual expenditure. He stressed that waste management must be viewed as a high-return development investment capable of protecting public health and strengthening economic growth.

The presentation was followed by an extensive question-and-answer session. Participants raised concerns about how much of the disease burden could be directly attributed to waste. The research team explained that their modelling relied on global health data and assumed that about 45 percent of the selected disease cases were attributable to waste exposure. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to test different attribution levels.

Stakeholders also questioned whether the best-case scenario reflected on-the-ground realities, especially in slum and rural communities where waste collection remains inconsistent. Prof. Quartey acknowledged that waste management in such areas is more complex and costly due to access challenges. He noted that flexible and smaller-scale collection systems may be required rather than a uniform national model.

Other concerns focused on uncollected waste and dumping in drains and water bodies. The researchers explained that their modelling incorporated standardized ranges for lower-middle-income countries, taking into account infrastructure gaps and collection inefficiencies.

Members of Parliament present at the forum emphasized the need for stronger coordination across agencies. While some suggested the creation of a National Sanitation Authority, others cautioned against expanding bureaucracy and proposed strengthening existing institutional structures instead.

Education and job creation also featured prominently in the discussion. Prof. Quartey highlighted earlier regional research on green jobs and recycling, stressing that investment in skills development and public awareness could help unlock employment opportunities in the waste sector.

The research team concluded that Ghana’s annual sanitation-related losses far exceed current spending levels. They called for increased and sustained investment, targeted interventions in high-risk communities, and stronger data and budgeting systems within Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure sanitation is prioritized as a central pillar of national development.

Founder and leader of the online prayer movement Alpha Hour, Pastor Elvis Agyemang, has released CCTV footage capturing an alleged arson attempt at his church auditorium.

According to the footage, a woman entered the auditorium, poured a liquid substance believed to be petrol on chairs, and set them ablaze. The incident caused damage to parts of the auditorium, prompting church authorities to suspend all activities at the venue.

As a result of the fire outbreak, the Ofankor Seven Days Church auditorium has been closed indefinitely to allow for a full assessment of the damage, ensure the safety of congregants, and undertake necessary repair works.

In a video cited by KPDonline.net, the suspect is seen wearing a white outfit as she allegedly sprinkled the flammable substance before igniting the fire.

Speaking on the incident via the video releasd, Pastor Elvis Agyemang, who is also the leader of Grace Mountain Ministry (GMM), stated that the act was a deliberate attempt to burn down the church auditorium.

He noted that although the incident is unfortunate, it will not halt the ministry’s activities.

“Somebody wanted to burn down the auditorium. Look at that. So please, if you come here today, it may not be open tomorrow. But one thing is certain, it won’t stop us. We will fix the place, and prayer will still go on.”

He further explained that the ministry has previously encountered similar incidents, which he believes are attempts to disrupt their prayer activities. According to him, last year, another individual entered the auditorium and blew a powdered substance from her mouth. He said church members were prevented from entering the space at the time, and prayers were conducted to sanctify the altar.

“Many times, when people hear something has happened, they rush to the auditorium to pray, and that is what the devil is afraid of. That is why he sends such attacks. Last year, someone also came here and blew a powdered substance from her mouth. We stopped people from going near the auditorium and prayed, sanctifying the altar with the power of God.”

Pastor Elvis added that despite these challenges, the church remains resolute and committed to continuing its spiritual activities, stressing that such acts will not deter the work of the ministry.

Ghanaian forward Antione Semenyo has been on target for Manchester City in their 2-2 draw over Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.

The game kicked off at the Tottenham Stadium on Sunday as both teams shared the points.

Midfielder Rayan Cherki found the net in just 11 minutes of the game before Semenyo delivered from Silver’s pass, doubling the lead for the visitors.

Spurs came back dominating the second half, resulting in Dominic Solanke’s goal in the 53rd minute, giving the host hope for a possible comeback.

Solanke completed his brace for Conor Gallagher assist, giving the host the equaliser and secured a point after the game.

Semenyo has been an outstanding signing in January for the Manchester side, scoring four goals and an assist in five appearances.

The 26-year-old forward who joined City from AFC Bournemouth is expected to continue his form to be able to make Black Stars squad for the upcoming International break and the FIFA World Cup in Mexico, USA and Canada.