Accra: Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious, has emphasized the importance of handwashing as a critical investment in national development, social equity, and moral responsibility, beyond its role as a health measure. Speaking at the 2025 commemoration of Global Handwashing Day, organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, he highlighted the broader implications of handwashing for building a resilient and inclusive society.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event featured the reading and signing of the National Handwashing Hero Pledge under the global theme: 'Be a Handwashing Hero.' Mr Ibrahim noted that simple acts such as providing soap at market stalls or reminding peers to wash hands before meals are heroic contributions to community health. He cited data from the World Health Organization indicating that handwashing with soap at critical times can significantly reduce diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections.
Mr Ibrahim pointed out the broader impact of hand hygiene on Sustainable Development Goals related to health, education, water and sanitation, and climate resilience. He also acknowledged the role of the media, school health clubs, nurses, teachers, and environmental health officers as hygiene champions. Despite financial constraints faced by local governments, the Ministry advocates for dedicated financing for hygiene promotion to ensure sustainability.
The Minister instructed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to install handwashing stations at market stalls and for food vendors, and to integrate hand hygiene into school routines. He encouraged investment in water-efficient and solar-powered handwashing devices for rural and peri-urban communities as vital for long-term resilience.
Mr Harold Esseku, Development Partner Lead at the World Bank, praised Ghana's comprehensive handwashing policies during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed confidence in the country's progress in the WASH sector. He assured continued commitment from development partners to keep handwashing a priority in water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives.
