The General Overseer of Action Chapel International and Chairman of the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC), Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, has thrown his weight behind the government’s National Sanitation Day initiative, urging Ghanaians to take personal responsibility for the cleanliness of their environment.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Archbishop Duncan-Williams commended the Ministry for taking bold steps to address the country’s sanitation crisis. He emphasized that the issue of sanitation should not be seen as the sole responsibility of government, but as a shared duty for all citizens, churches, and communities.
“The first thing God did before creating man was to establish the Garden of Eden and place man in charge of it,” he stated. “In the same way, God has entrusted us with the earth to guard, protect, and preserve it. This is a responsibility we cannot ignore.”
He pledged the commitment of the NACCC to support the campaign and announced plans to mobilize churches and pastors across all 16 regions to champion sanitation awareness. “We will encourage our churches to incorporate the message of cleanliness into their Sunday sermons and community engagements,” he affirmed. “It is time we built a culture where environmental hygiene is a way of life.”
The Archbishop also called for a broader national awakening on the issue of sanitation, suggesting the inclusion of environmental stewardship in the school curriculum. He lamented the lack of civic responsibility among citizens, illustrated by daily acts of neglect and indifference to basic cleanliness.
“I believe this is a serious matter of education and consciousness. People pass by filth without taking action not because they don’t see it, but because they don’t feel responsible,” he said. “This mindset must change.”
Touching on Ghana’s development challenges, Archbishop Duncan-Williams expressed concern about the nation’s continued struggle with basic issues such as sanitation, despite decades of independence. He attributed the problem to a deeper issue of national character and commitment. “It is not just about corruption; it’s about a lack of love for country. You do not exploit what you love.”
He concluded with a strong message of support to the government: “We will not leave this burden to the state alone. We are prepared to partner, take initiative, and lead where necessary. The future of our children and grandchildren depends on the decisions we make today. Cleanliness is not just a habit; it is a foundation for national progress and longevity.”
Archbishop Duncan-Williams’ remarks underscore the growing consensus that a national transformation in sanitation must begin with individual responsibility, community action, and cross-sector collaboration.
In response, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim expressed his appreciation to the Archbishop for his passionate support. He remarked, “We believe that true transformation begins from within communities, and the church is a powerful partner in shaping values and attitudes. If we can influence the mindset of people from the pulpit, we can drive lasting change across our nation.” The Minister emphasized the need for consistent action and encouraged faith-based institutions to take leadership in the collective national effort toward a cleaner Ghana.
Source: Matilda Tettey/Sandra Owusu Asamoah
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)