In an engagement with Editors, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, called for the media's active support in re-introducing the National Sanitation Day, a national initiative aimed at tackling Ghana’s pressing sanitation challenges.

The meeting, held to discuss the upcoming re-launch of the initiative, brought together key editors from Ghana's leading media outlets to understand the importance of the campaign and mobilize widespread public involvement. Hon.  Ibrahim emphasized that environmental sanitation, including waste disposal, littering, and related health issues such as cholera and malaria, remains a significant challenge for the nation.

“Today, we stand at a critical juncture where we must renew our collective commitment to keeping our environment clean. The re-introduction of National Sanitation Day is a significant step in promoting hygiene, waste management, and community participation," said Hon.  Ibrahim.

He outlined that, although the initiative was originally introduced in 2014, the government, is now revitalizing the National Sanitation Day as part of the broader "Clean Up Ghana" agenda. This, he said, would not only improve public health but also reduce the economic burden posed by sanitation-related diseases.

The National Sanitation Day will take place on the first Saturday of every month across all regions and districts in the country. The Minister highlighted that the day would feature a nationwide clean-up exercise, including cleaning public spaces like streets, markets, and drains. In addition, public education on waste management and hygiene would play a central role.

During the forum, Hon.  Ibrahim also emphasized the need for collaboration with various stakeholders, including traditional authorities, religious leaders, private sector actors, and environmental NGOs. He pointed out that the media plays an essential role in raising awareness, informing the public, and ensuring that people take action on the designated clean-up days.

"The media is a critical partner in this initiative. Your reach, influence, and capacity to engage communities are invaluable. We need your help to spread the word, encourage participation, and make National Sanitation Day a success," he stated.

The Minister announced that the official launch of the National Sanitation Day will take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, with the first nationwide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025. He urged editors to allocate slots on their programs to further promote the initiative, ensuring maximum participation from the public.

Hon.  Ibrahim concluded his address by emphasizing the shared responsibility of keeping Ghana clean. "This is not just the government's responsibility; it is a collective duty. Cleanliness affects our health, our economy, and the reputation of our country. I ask all of you, as media leaders, to help us lead this charge," he said.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann/Stephanie Edem Klutsey

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

In a collaborative move towards achieving a cleaner, healthier Ghana, the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has assured the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) of its unwavering commitment to support the upcoming National Sanitation Day scheduled for April 5, 2025.

During a courtesy call on the Minister, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, the leadership of ESPA expressed their readiness to work closely with the Ministry to ensure the nationwide sanitation initiative becomes a sustained and impactful tradition. The engagement highlighted the critical role of private sector actors in complementing government’s efforts to promote environmental cleanliness and public health.

Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, visibly pleased with the Association’s show of commitment, described the meeting as a timely intervention. “Your readiness to support the National Sanitation Day speaks volumes about the potential of strong public-private partnerships. We believe this collaboration can help reignite civic consciousness and collective responsibility around sanitation,” he remarked.

The discussions explored strategic ways ESPA can leverage its nationwide operational network to mobilize resources, personnel, and logistics towards the success of the initiative. With decades of hands-on experience in waste management, ESPA’s technical expertise and reach place it in a unique position to drive efficiency in the execution of sanitation campaigns.

The Association also used the occasion to propose broader frameworks that would enhance the sanitation sector’s overall efficiency, including policy recommendations aimed at improving the operating environment for service providers. However, rather than focusing on sectoral challenges, the emphasis remained on how government and private players can work together to improve sanitation infrastructure, create jobs, and elevate public health outcomes across the country.

In particular, ESPA called on government to consider incentivizing investment in waste management logistics and technology by classifying sanitation vehicles as special-purpose equipment, thus aligning with provisions in the Harmonized System and Customs Tariff Schedules. They noted that granting tax waivers and reviewing service tariffs could make sanitation services more sustainable and attractive to investors.

Drawing inspiration from President John Dramani Mahama’s renewed social contract particularly his pledge to review taxes on vehicles and equipment for industrial use, ESPA appealed for similar considerations for sanitation service vehicles. The Association believes that such interventions will further energize the sector and drive national development outcomes in sanitation and hygiene.

“Environmental sanitation is not just about clean streets. It’s about economic growth, health, tourism, and the dignity of our people,” the Association emphasized.

The Ministry and ESPA both agreed on the need to sustain public engagement and education on sanitation through strategic communication, community participation, and consistent enforcement of sanitation by-laws. As the nation prepares for the upcoming National Sanitation Day, the partnership between government and ESPA signals a renewed sense of shared purpose.

Hon. Ibrahim reiterated the Ministry’s openness to continuous engagement with ESPA and other stakeholders. “This is how we win, when we all take responsibility. The National Sanitation Day must be more than an event; it should become a movement that every Ghanaian proudly owns,” he said.

Source: Matilda Tettey /Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)

Government officials and development partners have held a two-day conference in Tamale to strengthen collaboration and explore better ways of working together to address development challenges in Northern Ghana.

The conference, dubbed the “Northern Ghana Deep Dive,” took place from March 26 to 27, 2025, at the University for Development Studies (UDS) Guest House Conference Hall, with participation from key national and international stakeholders. The event was supported by the UK Government.

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs was represented by the Director in charge of General Administration, Mr. Dela Kermevor, who joined discussions focused on improving coordination and impact of development efforts in the North.

The five northernmost regions, along with the Oti Region, remain the poorest in the country, according to the 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Report. The conference aimed to tackle these disparities by aligning the priorities of the incoming Government with those of development partners.

Discussions revolved around three main areas: understanding the new government’s development plans for Northern Ghana, identifying shared goals, and agreeing on effective ways of working together. The forum focused on how to collaborate, rather than what to fund, paving the way for a more strategic and unified approach to development.

By hosting the event in Tamale, organizers ensured the inclusion of regional policy makers and local government representatives whose perspectives are crucial to achieving lasting progress.

The Deep Dive is expected to shape future engagements and reinforce the message that development in Ghana is led by the Government, with international partners playing a supporting role where most effective.

Source: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(Public Relations Unit MLGDRD)