Accra, Sept. 7, GNA – 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.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, who disclosed this at the re-launch of the National Sanitation Day (NSD) on Saturday in Accra, said the assemblies would, henceforth, be required to submit monthly reports on their sanitation activities to the Ministry.
The National Sanitation Day, reintroduced under the Clean Ghana Initiative as part of the government’s comprehensive Reset Ghana Agenda, seeks to restore discipline in public spaces.
It is also to empower and mobilise local government structures to clean up cities, and foster citizens’ participation in sanitation management.
The exercise will be undertaken on the first Saturday of every month.
Mr Ahmed noted that poor attitudes towards sanitation and environmental abuse had damaged natural resources and posed serious public health threats.
He tasked the assemblies to take up responsibility for organising 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 said.
Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi II, President of the National House of Chiefs, underscored the need for a collective renewal of Ghana’s age-old traditions of communal labour, describing cleanliness as a sacred duty and not the sole responsibility of government.
“Forbearance entrusted us with cleanliness, and it must be maintained. Across Ghana, communal labour was a sacred duty and way of life, not the duty of government
“The revival of this initiative is a call to duty. We, the National House of Chiefs, promise our support to ensure unblocked drains, clean markets and homes. If leaders demonstrate commitment, communities will follow,” he assured.
Madam Linda Akweley Ocloo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, pledged the regional administration’s commitment to engaging communities and partner stakeholders to ensure a clean capital and country.
“Sanitation must be a habit, a duty and a shared responsibility,” she emphasised.
Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President, Ghana Journalists Association, said improved sanitation was integral to Ghana’s public health goals, economic development, and global image.
“The state of sanitation is a human rights issue, an economic contributor, and reflects our national image,” he noted.
A comprehensive approach was needed, including investing in infrastructure, promoting hygiene practices, and enforcing sanitation laws, he added.
“The media must also report on solutions that can be scaled up,” Mr Dwumfour said.
The stakeholders called on citizens, traditional rulers, civil society, the private sector, and the media to play their part in ensuring clean, healthy, and safe communities across the country.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe