In September 2025, UNDP released a new publication titled “Innovative solutions for sanitation and employment: a case study on the city of Kumasi, Ghana”, documenting an innovative initiative to address sanitation challenges and promote local employment through sustainable financing and community engagement.
This publication showcases the initiative led by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, implemented with UNDP support between 2022 and 2025 in the framework of the 2022 Global Mayors Challenge.
The project had the following objectives:
- Provide residents with access to interest-free loans for the construction of household toilets.
- Empower unemployed youth with skills to build cost-efficient, locally designed biodigester toilets.
- Increase access to hygienic sanitation facilities in low-income communities such as Moshie Zongo.
The approach:
- Revolving fund: a self-sustaining financing mechanism was established, enabling continuous support for new household toilet construction.
- Community-centered design: local leaders, imams, and assembly members were engaged early to build awareness and acceptance.
- Adaptive implementation: project design evolved in response to local realities, such as extending loan repayment periods and absorbing currency-related cost increases.
- Capacity building: local youth were trained as artisans, creating jobs while meeting the community’s sanitation needs.
- Conflict resolution: traditional dispute-resolution mechanisms were integrated to address land, repayment, and household conflicts fairly and effectively.
- Participatory communication: community members were engaged through personalized visits, social events, and diverse communication tools.
Key achievements:
- By April 2025, 159 private toilets and 44 private bathrooms had been built, benefiting around 3,065 residents.
- The project achieved a 19% reduction in the use of public toilets and open defecation, improving safety, dignity, and health standards.
- 50 unemployed youth were trained in biodigester construction, while 97 artisans secured jobs building sanitation facilities.
- The repayment rate of household loans reached 65%, with potential to increase to 85–90% through strengthened community involvement.
This publication serves as a case study and practical guide for policymakers, city leaders, and development practitioners. It demonstrates how new financing mechanisms, inclusive governance, and community-led approaches can create lasting solutions to urban sanitation challenges while generating decent work and fostering dignity in vulnerable communities.
Download the guideline in English here
Dowload the guideline in Spanish here
Dowload the guideline in French here