As part of efforts to rekindle national consciousness on environmental cleanliness, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has paid a strategic courtesy call on the leadership of the Christian Council of Ghana to rally support for the reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day (NSD).
The visit forms part of a broader national mobilization campaign aimed at reinvigorating the culture of cleanliness and civic responsibility across the country. The Minister emphasized that the sanitation drive is a flagship agenda of the government led by President John Dramani Mahama, and the reintroduction of National Sanitation Day (NSD) is critical to addressing long-standing sanitation challenges confronting the nation.
Hon. Ibrahim noted that religious leaders, particularly the clergy are key stakeholders in this process, given their moral influence, extensive community presence, and capacity to mobilize large segments of the population. He therefore called on the Christian Council to actively participate in the campaign and to help sustain the momentum of environmental consciousness through their platforms.
“The church remains a vital partner in national development,” the Minister said. “If we are to make meaningful progress in keeping our communities clean, we must involve people of influence, those who can shape values and attitudes. That is why we are here today.”
He explained that the reintroduction of National Sanitation Day is not just a one-off campaign but a critical element of the government's long-term development strategy to promote ethical governance, civic discipline, and responsible environmental stewardship.
The Chairman of the Christian Council, Rt. Rev. Dr. Hilliard Dogbe, welcomed the Minister’s visit and commended the government for recognizing the strategic role of faith-based organizations in national transformation. He assured the Minister of the Council’s full support, noting that sanitation is not only a civic duty but a moral and Christian obligation.
Rt. Rev. Dogbe further revealed that the Council has, over the past two years, been running nationwide engagements under the theme “Ethical Leadership”, incorporating discussions around environmental stewardship, civic ethics, and social accountability. He stressed the need for continuous government action beyond the symbolic clean-up days and called for structured public education, particularly among children to foster a new culture of cleanliness and waste segregation.
“Environmental care is part of our divine stewardship,” he said. “We will support this cause not just because it is a national campaign but because it aligns with our values as people of faith.”
He also disclosed that the Council will relay the call to its member churches through an official directive and ensure that the entire Christian community contributes meaningfully to the revival of National Sanitation Day.
The National Sanitation Day is scheduled to resume officially on Saturday, 3rd May 2025, and will subsequently be observed on the first Saturday of every month as part of a national movement to restore cleanliness and environmental responsibility in all communities.
Source: Matilda Tettey/Darling Maame Efua Cann
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)