Accra, Friday, September 5, 2025 — Ahead of the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day (NSD), the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, on Friday, September 5, 2025, met with the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and senior editors of leading media houses in Accra to court their support in driving the nationwide sanitation campaign.

The engagement formed part of stakeholder consultations leading into the Clean Up Ghana Campaign, which is anchored on the reintroduction of National Sanitation Day as a flagship civic responsibility exercise.

Hon. Ibrahim underscored the indispensable role of the media in shaping public opinion and setting the national agenda, stressing that the success of the sanitation drive hinged on sustained media advocacy. “The media is the nation’s conscience. If you give prominence to sanitation, if you dedicate space, airtime, and creative energy to this cause, we will succeed in changing mindsets and building a culture of cleanliness across Ghana,” the Minister told the editors.

On behalf of the media fraternity, GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, pledged the full support of the Ghanaian media towards the noble cause of making Ghana clean under the Clean Up Ghana Campaign. He assured that media houses across the country would dedicate their platforms to amplify the sanitation message, support behavioural change, and hold duty-bearers accountable to ensure lasting impact.

The meeting also highlighted government’s new accountability measures, including a central sanitation dashboard, a reporting hotline, and mandatory monthly performance updates from assemblies—tools the Minister urged the media to monitor and publicise as part of their watchdog role.

Friday’s engagement set the tone for the relaunch of National Sanitation Day on September 6, 2025, officially led by President John Dramani Mahama. The relaunch seeks to restore communal participation in sanitation, institutionalise citizen accountability, and position cleanliness as both a development and cultural imperative.

With the media formally on board, the Ministry expressed confidence that the Clean Up Ghana Campaign would resonate more deeply with citizens and communities, inspiring a national awakening to the shared responsibility of keeping Ghana clean.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)

“The University of Local Governance and Development Bill, 2025 will soon be presented to Parliament after Cabinet consideration.”

With this announcement, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim (MP), set the agenda at the 7th Congregation of the Institute of Local Government Studies (ILGS) held on Saturday, 30th August 2025, at Ogbojo in Accra.

The Minister explained that the upgrade will give ILGS the status of a specialised degree-awarding institution with strategic national importance, deepening Ghana’s decentralisation process. He praised the Institute for its role in training local government officials, producing research for policy, and strengthening governance structures since its establishment.

Commending the graduands for their resilience, Hon. Ibrahim urged them to become “ambassadors of integrity, leadership and service excellence,” contributing their expertise to local and national development.

The event, which also featured the Chairman of the ILGS Governing Council, Dr. William Ahadzie, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu (MP), Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, and Director of ILGS, Prof. Nicholas Awortwi, followed the 2nd Memorial Biennial Lecture in honour of the Institute’s founding director, Prof. Samuel Nunoo Woode.

The 7th Congregation not only celebrated academic achievement but also highlighted ILGS’ future as a key driver of Ghana’s decentralisation and governance reforms.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)

Switzerland’s National Day was commemorated in Accra on Friday, 29th August 2025, with a reception hosted by the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger, at the Swiss Residence.

Among the dignitaries present was the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, who joined the celebration as a mark of solidarity and to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Switzerland. His participation highlighted the value the Government of Ghana places on its cooperation with Switzerland, particularly in areas of governance, decentralisation, and sustainable development.

In her address, Ambassador Giger reaffirmed her country’s commitment to Ghana’s democratic journey, citing support for constitutional review, energy transition, and climate resilience. She underscored the importance of collaboration in advancing inclusive growth and stronger institutions.

The event brought together members of the diplomatic community, government officials, business leaders, and development partners in a colourful evening that celebrated friendship, culture, and the deepening of bilateral relations between Ghana and Switzerland.

SOURCE: Darling Maame Efua Cann

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)