Accra: Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), announced that the Government of Ghana plans to reintroduce the National Sanitation Day and National Sanitation League on April 1. This initiative aims to enhance sanitation efforts across the nation.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Government's decision is backed by President's commitment to allocate approximately 80% of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) to district structures. A National Sanitation Taskforce has been established to oversee the reintroduction and implementation of the National Sanitation Day, extending its reach from the national to regional and district levels.
The task force will focus on advocacy, procurement of sanitation tools, logistics, and ensuring effective implementation of the initiative. Mr. Ibrahim revealed these plans during a meeting with the Ghana Coalition for NGOs in Water and Sanitation (CONIWAS) in Accra, which aimed to discuss strategies for maintaining a clean and safe environment in the country.
The Minister emphasized the importance of granting assemblies more authority to ensure accountability and achieve desired outcomes. The Government also plans to launch a National Sanitation League to hold districts accountable for their sanitation performance, employing both technical and political measures.
Mr. Ibrahim expressed confidence in collaboration with churches, chiefs, District Chief Executives (DCEs), and assembly members to make Ghana the cleanest country. A standard checklist will be used to assess sanitation efforts nationwide.
Madam Basila Nanbigne, Executive Secretary of CONIWAS, highlighted the need for improved sanitation in Ghana, noting that while water access has reached approximately 87%, sanitation coverage remains at only 25%. She stressed the importance of prioritizing financing for sanitation to ensure better access and enhanced services.
Madam Nanbigne also pointed out the gap between budget allocations and actual expenditures in sanitation, advocating for improved monitoring systems to enhance sanitation services in Ghana.
