Accra: The Government has announced stringent measures to tackle Ghana's sanitation challenges, including the establishment of a dedicated hotline for citizens to report environmental issues for immediate action by the relevant institutions. A central dashboard will also be maintained to track reports, responses, and the performance of all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure real-time supervision and accountability.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, disclosed these plans at the re-launch of the National Sanitation Day (NSD) in Accra. He emphasized that assemblies will now be required to submit monthly reports on their sanitation activities to the Ministry. The NSD, reintroduced under the Clean Ghana Initiative as part of the government's comprehensive Reset Ghana Agenda, aims to restore discipline in public spaces and empower local government structures in managing sanitation. The initiative will take place on the first Saturday of every month.
Mr. Ahmed highlighted the adverse effects of poor sanitation and environmental abuse, which have damaged natural resources and posed significant public health threats. He urged the assemblies to take responsibility for organizing and sustaining the NSD while strictly enforcing sanitation by-laws. 'The renewed commitment is to help reduce solid waste, flooding from choked drains, and the health risks of poor sanitation,' he stated.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, emphasized the importance of reviving Ghana's traditions of communal labor, describing cleanliness as a sacred duty. He assured that the National House of Chiefs would support efforts to ensure unblocked drains and clean markets and homes, asserting that community leaders' commitment would inspire collective action.
Madam Linda Akweley Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, pledged the regional administration's engagement with communities and stakeholders to ensure a clean capital and country. She stressed that sanitation must be seen as a habit, duty, and shared responsibility.
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, reinforced the significance of improved sanitation for Ghana's public health, economic development, and global image. He called for a comprehensive approach that includes infrastructure investment, promoting hygiene practices, and enforcing sanitation laws. He also encouraged the media to report on scalable solutions.
The stakeholders collectively urged citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, the private sector, and the media to contribute to ensuring clean, healthy, and safe communities across Ghana.
