The National Clergy Association of Ghana (NACAG) has pledged its full support for the upcoming National Sanitation Day (NSD) initiative, committing to leverage its expansive networks to advocate for environmental cleanliness and public hygiene across the country.
This endorsement was formalized during a high-level courtesy call by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, and his Deputy, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, to the leadership of NACAG. The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s broader stakeholder consultation efforts aimed at galvanising national consensus and multi-sectoral collaboration ahead of the initiative’s formal launch in May.
Addressing the clergy, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim highlighted the devastating impact of poor sanitation on Ghana’s socio-economic fabric, with particular emphasis on agriculture and the fishing industry. He lamented the increasing degradation of arable land and marine ecosystems, attributing the trend to unchecked pollution and indiscriminate plastic waste disposal.
“Today, our farmers struggle because our soil is contaminated, and our fishermen are pulling up bottles instead of fish,” the Minister decried. “We must change the narrative, and that change must begin with a shift in mindset, culture, and collective responsibility.”
Hon. Ibrahim urged the clergy to take a leading role in championing behavioral change, noting the Church’s unparalleled moral influence and its deep presence within communities. “Let the message of resurrection this Easter include a call to resurrect our national consciousness towards sanitation,” he appealed.
In response, the Executive Secretary of NACAG, Bishop Dr. Charles Abban, warmly welcomed the initiative, describing it as both a timely intervention and a spiritual imperative. He affirmed the Association’s commitment to the campaign, citing the Church’s duty to safeguard life, health, and the environment.
“We see this not only as a national duty but as a spiritual obligation. The Church will rise to the occasion,” Bishop Abban assured. “We will ensure that this message reaches every congregation. Our pastors and members will become sanitation ambassadors in their communities.”
The support of NACAG marks a significant milestone in the build-up to the NSD campaign, bringing with it the weight of the Church’s moral authority and far-reaching grassroots infrastructure. With religious institutions present in nearly every community, their advocacy for sanitation, behavioral change, and civic responsibility could catalyze a nationwide movement.
As preparations intensify toward the official launch of National Sanitation Day, the Ministry has reiterated that sustainable change in sanitation culture will require unity, shared ownership, and collective commitment. The backing of NACAG signals a strong and promising start in the journey to make Ghana cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally resilient.
Source: Matilda Tettey/Sandra Owusu Asamoah
(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)