A total of 251 food handlers in Ghana’s Upper West Region have been diagnosed with health conditions preventing them from handling food, according to a regional sanitation report released recently. This diagnosis, identified through health screenings conducted in 2025 and the first five months of 2026, has ignited significant public health and food safety concerns across the region.
Screenings Reveal Widespread Health Issues
The findings emerged from a comprehensive regional sanitation situation report presented by Agambire Alhassan Inusah, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Upper West Regional Environmental Health and Sanitation Department (EHSD). The report detailed health screenings of food handlers, with 538 individuals examined in 2025. This effort expanded significantly in 2026, with 1,208 food handlers screened between January and May.
Of the total screened, 251 individuals were found to have health conditions that disqualify them from food handling. Mr. Inusah confirmed that these affected individuals have been referred to health facilities for necessary treatment and management.
Intensified Interventions and Inspections
In response to these findings, the EHSD has ramped up its food safety and sanitation initiatives. These interventions include rigorous inspections of food and drink vendors throughout the region. The department has also been actively prosecuting individuals found to be in violation of sanitation regulations.
Premises inspections saw a substantial increase, with 3,425 premises examined in 2025. This number rose to 4,821 in the first five months of 2026. Similarly, inspections specifically targeting food and drink establishments increased from 742 in 2025 to 891 by May 2026.
Ensuring Meat Safety
Beyond vendor inspections, the department, in collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Veterinary Services Department, has focused on meat safety. During the review period, 3,928 animals were inspected post-slaughter. Out of these, 3,873 carcasses were certified as fit for human consumption. However, four carcasses were completely condemned, and 51 were partially condemned due to identified health concerns.
Progress in Open Defecation Free Campaign
The report also highlighted progress in the Open Defecation Free (ODF) campaign. In 2025, three communities achieved ODF status, with two located in the Lambussie District and one in the Sissala West District. The momentum continued into 2026, with 15 communities attaining ODF status between January and May. These included nine communities in the Nandom District and six in the Lambussie District.
Enforcement and Challenges
Enforcement measures are also in place, with the Wa Municipal Assembly prosecuting four sanitation-related cases and imposing fines on offenders during the reporting period. These actions underscore the commitment to improving environmental sanitation standards.
Despite these efforts, a significant challenge persists: inadequate staff capacity within the environmental health and sanitation departments. This shortage hinders the department’s ability to deliver services effectively and consistently across the region.
Addressing the Human Factor in Food Safety
The issue of food handlers being unfit to serve poses a direct threat to public health. Freda Naatu, the Upper West Regional Director of the EHSD, acknowledged the difficulty in preventing affected individuals from continuing to handle food, even after diagnosis. This highlights a critical gap in immediate containment and monitoring.
Future Initiatives and Watch Points
To further enhance accountability and performance, Madam Naatu announced plans to introduce sanitation league tables for schools and zonal councils. These tables will serve to assess performance, recognize high-achieving institutions, and identify underperforming ones through a “name and shame” approach.
Moving forward, the focus will likely remain on strengthening public health surveillance, improving the follow-up and treatment of diagnosed food handlers, and addressing the critical staffing shortages. The success of the sanitation league tables and the ongoing ODF campaign will also be key indicators to watch in the region’s efforts to ensure both environmental and food safety.
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