Accra: Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), emphasized that the success of the re-introduced National Sanitation Day (NSD) relies on the active participation of all citizens. He highlighted the shared responsibility of environmental sanitation, urging individuals, households, communities, and institutions to engage in consistent and collective action.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister spoke at the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day, which forms part of the 'Clean Up Ghana' agenda. This initiative aims to foster environmental responsibility, improve public health, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities and communities. The NSD will occur simultaneously across all 16 regions and 261 districts of Ghana on the first Saturday of every month, promoting behavioral change through public education on waste segregation, recycling, and enforcement of sanitation bye-laws.
Mr. Ibrahim noted that improper waste disposal, poor drainage management, and weak enforcement of sanitation bye-laws have led to severe consequences, including sanitation-related disease outbreaks and loss of lives. Beyond health risks, flooding, infrastructure damage, decreased tourism potential, and economic setbacks are significant concerns. He recalled the past success of the NSD, emphasizing the potential for cleaner, healthier communities when citizens, assemblies, traditional leaders, and civil society collaborate.
The Minister described the re-introduction of the NSD as a renewed social contract between the government and citizens, focusing on accountability, enforcement, and sustainability. He stressed that a clean environment is essential for public health and national dignity. With sanitation now a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for Metropolitan Municipal District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), assemblies must lead in ensuring sustainable cleanliness.
The NSD calls for a unified effort from all Ghanaians, public institutions, the private sector, and civil society organizations against unsanitary conditions. The Ministry plans to introduce accountability measures such as a dedicated sanitation hotline for reporting public nuisances. Reports will be verified and addressed by relevant assemblies, with a central dashboard tracking responses and performance for real-time supervision and oversight.
Mr. Ibrahim appealed to traditional authorities and religious leaders to encourage active participation in this national activity. He also urged the media to continue informing and educating the public on sanitation issues, celebrating positive community efforts. The role of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in enforcing sanitation bye-laws and providing necessary logistics is crucial, with a call for district assemblies to intensify compliance efforts.
