Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have been directed to step up sanitation enforcement as government intensifies supervision under the National Sanitation Day initiative, with a renewed focus on accountability, consistency and service delivery at the local level.

The directive followed an unannounced sanitation inspection exercise conducted on Saturday, 13th December 2025, across selected assemblies in the Greater Accra Region, led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, in line with the Ministry’s oversight responsibility over local government administration.

The exercise, which took the Minister and his team through Ayawaso East and West, Ayawaso West Wuogon, La Nkwatanang, Madina and the Adenta Municipal Assembly, formed part of activities marking the observance of the National Sanitation Day declared by President John Dramani Mahama and being implemented nationwide by the Ministry.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim explained that the Ministry has deliberately moved away from pre-announced inspections, which often result in temporary clean-ups that do not reflect everyday sanitation conditions. He said the new approach is intended to ensure that MMDAs remain consistently alert and proactive in the discharge of their sanitation mandate.

According to the Minister, sanitation is a core responsibility of the assemblies, and leadership at the local level must translate into visible cleanliness, order and public health outcomes. He cautioned that any MMDCE found absent during such unannounced visits would be considered not to be on top of the job.

As part of immediate measures under the National Sanitation Day framework, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim announced the full deployment of borla taxis, functional sweepers and sanitation trucks. He further revealed that the Christmas sanitation clean-up, introduced as a special holiday edition, will now be carried out weekly ahead of the Christmas festivities to ensure sustained cleanliness across cities and communities.

The Minister also announced plans to deepen inter-ministerial collaboration by bringing on board the Ministries of Interior, Tourism, Transport and Health, to support the nationwide sanitation effort.

He underscored the role of the media as a critical accountability partner and noted that government must be intentional and deliberate in enforcing sanitation standards, in line with the reset agenda of President John Dramani Mahama.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, who joined the exercise, stressed that sanitation directly affects Ghana’s image and tourism potential.

“We cannot promote a dirty country. We can only promote a country that is clean,” she said, explaining that what visitors encounter first is not hospitality or culture, but the state of the streets.

She described the collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs as essential, noting that the work of MMDAs reflects directly on the tourism sector and the country’s global reputation. She emphasized that sanitation is a shared responsibility that requires the collective effort of ministries, assemblies and citizens.

Appealing to the public, Hon. Gomashie urged Ghanaians to take daily responsibility for their surroundings, calling on traders and roadside sellers to keep their spaces clean and allow access for pedestrians to ease congestion and improve urban life.

The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, also reinforced the call, urging MMDAs, market women and traders to uphold cleanliness as part of the ongoing observance of the National Sanitation Day.

She noted that clean markets and streets attract visitors, boost patronage and contribute to economic growth.

The Ministry reiterated that sanitation is a collective national duty and called on all assemblies and citizens to work together to keep Ghana clean, healthy and ready for the festive season.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

MLGCRA PR Unit

The Dean of all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) in the Greater Accra Region, Hon. Desmond Sowah Laryae has affirmed the collective commitment of the Assemblies to deliver on the national sanitation agenda.

Speaking on behalf of the MMDCEs during a strategic meeting on Thursday, 11^th December 2025 ahead of the National Sanitation Week scheduled for 13th–20th December 2025, the Dean acknowledged the renewed momentum within the local government structure, driven by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim.

He noted that the Minister’s punctuality, hands-on engagement, and disciplined approach to duty have set a standard that leaves the MMDCEs, and Coordinating Directors with no excuses when it comes to delivering results.

He commended the Ministry for the leadership role and pledged the commitment of all MMDCEs to work extensively to building upon the gains of previous administrations and raising the bar even higher and make the good people of Ghana, the President and the Hon. Minister proud.

Hon. Laryae stressed on the critical importance of sanitation to Ghana’s national image, especially in relation to tourism and international perception, stating that with thousands of visitors expected in the country this Christmas, the standards upheld by the Assemblies in the coming weeks will determine how the nation will be viewed so failure is not an option.

The Dean assured the Minister that the Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region will work closely with the Ministry to ensure visible, impactful and lasting improvements in environmental sanitation by intensifying cleanup efforts, strengthen supervision and mobilize the communities.

Source : Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that the President will take firm action against Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) who fail to uphold sanitation standards in their jurisdictions.

 According to him, strict compliance with sanitation rules forms part of the key performance indicators (KPIs) for all MMDCEs nationwide. He made the announcement during a strategic meeting with MMDCEs and their Coordinating Directors in the Greater Accra Region ahead of the December National Sanitation Week activities scheduled for 13th–20th December 2025.

Hon. Ibrahim stressed that sanitation remains a critical national priority, especially as Ghana prepares to welcome thousands of visitors returning home for the festive season. He revealed that the President has directed that every MMDCE must demonstrate visible leadership in cleaning and maintaining their localities, and those who fall short will face consequences.

‘The President has made it clear that sanitation is a non-negotiable responsibility and any MMDCE who fails to deliver on sanitation targets will be sanctioned,’ the Minister stated, adding that sanitation was no longer just a routine activity rather it forms part of their performance contract evaluation as leaders.”

He added that the Ministry will closely monitor progress throughout the sanitation week, especially in high-impact areas such as markets, lorry stations, principal streets, commercial zones, and communities, noting that Assemblies are expected to provide regular situational updates to track achievements and identify gaps that require support.

The Minister also charged the Assemblies to intensify community mobilization, ensure strict supervision, and coordinate effectively with traditional authorities, transport unions, youth groups, and religious bodies, emphasizing that Greater Accra, as the national capital region, must lead by example.

He further urged MMDCEs to personally participate in cleanup activities, indicating  that as leaders, their visibility and commitment will influence how communities respond, to the cleanup exercise and called for a collaborative efforts to protect the dignity of the towns and cities in the country.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA