By Edward Dankwah
Accra, April 17, GNA – Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, Chairman of the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC), has expressed the association’s commitment to supporting the reintroduced National Sanitation Day initiative.
He emphasised that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility and urged churches across all 16 regions to incorporate sanitation messages into their sermons.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams made the pledge during a courtesy call by the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) to NACCC in Accra.
The Ministry also visited the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) and the Ga Mantse as part of consultations with traditional and religious leaders to ensure the successful rollout of National Sanitation Day.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams said it was essential to ensure surroundings are kept neat and clean daily, not only for individual well-being but also for future generations.
He also called for the Education Ministry to include cleanliness in the national curriculum.
The archbishop stressed the need for a national agenda to address pressing challenges and secure a better future.
“Countries like India, China, and Dubai have long-term national visions, spanning up to 100 years, embedded in their constitutions and supported across political lines.
“This ensures continuity, focus, and alignment of national resources toward common goals, regardless of which government is in power,” he said.
Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the sector minister, highlighted the impact of pollution on soil, air, and water, contributing to disease outbreaks like cholera, which affected 58 districts, claimed 49 lives, and impacted 581 individuals.
He stated that there was a strong desire for participation in the initiative, but the primary concern was the limited timeline, as thorough and effective publicity efforts were necessary to maximise awareness and engagement.
The Minister said the initiative should be seen as an inclusive effort rather than a government-led programme.
He mentioned suggestions from Christian communities to reschedule the launch to May 10 for broader participation and effective cleanup during the first week of June.
However, he acknowledged his party’s manifesto commitment to implementing the initiative within 120 days and said these concerns would be communicated to the President.
Mr. Ibrahim noted that pastors were eager for full participation across churches and had called for the involvement of influential leaders from religious, chieftaincy, and traditional institutions to help promote a unified and collaborative approach.
“They also emphasized the importance of framing the sanitation issue primarily as a public health concern,” he said.
Apostle Eric Nyamekye, GPCC President, encouraged the Ministry to remain strong and courageous, urging them to seek support from Ghanaians to succeed.
He pledged GPCC’s support for National Sanitation Day.
GNA
KAS