Floods ravaged Ghana could generate GH¢556 in economic benefits for every GH¢1 invested in sanitation

Every cedi invested in improving Ghana's waste management and sanitation systems could generate as much as GH¢556 in annual economic benefits if the country increases spending to levels recommended for lower-middle-income economies, according to a new policy brief by the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER).

Rather than treating sanitation as a recurrent expenditure, the report urges policymakers to recognise it as an investment capable of strengthening public health, improving labour productivity, supporting economic growth and creating employment opportunities.

According to the researchers, Ghana's current spending on waste management already delivers economic returns, with every GH¢1 invested generating an estimated GH¢180 in discounted annual benefits.