The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has convened a high-level multi-sectoral engagement workshop at the Palms by Eagles Hotel to advance implementation of the National Open Defecation Free (ODF) and Sanitation Management Services (SMS) Plan.

The forum served as a platform for collective reflection on Ghana’s sanitation challenges and the strategies required to accelerate progress. Deliberations revealed that the nation must construct at least 617,000 toilets annually until 2030 to bridge the existing infrastructure gap and meet its sanitation targets.

In his keynote, Dr. Tsekpetse-Akuamoah Kweku underscored the urgency of coordinated action, noting that open defecation undermines public health, environmental integrity, and national development. He called for cross-sectoral collaboration, stressing that “the fight against open defecation cannot be left to a single ministry or institution.”

Participants highlighted the twin priorities of behavioral change and infrastructure provision. They emphasized the integration of sanitation into education, health delivery, public communication, and community mobilization, alongside investments in durable household and public facilities.

The workshop concluded with a consensus on establishing a national coordination platform, mainstreaming sanitation priorities into development planning, and strengthening monitoring and accountability systems.

These outcomes represent a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 6, and reaffirm the nation’s resolve to secure safe, clean, and sustainable sanitation services for all citizens.

SOURCE: STEPHANIE EDEM KLUTSEY

(MLGCRA PR UNIT)

 The Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has called on women to rise as agents of change, urging them to embrace mentorship, community service, and advocacy as tools for transformation.

Addressing the Seventh-Day Adventist Church National Women’s Ministries Prayer Conference at the University of Ghana, Legon, Hon. Sowah stressed the need for women to seek spiritual renewal and allow God to pour his love, wisdom and strength on them, to serve their church, home and community with impact and authority.

She was making reference to the Theme for the National Prayer Conference; ‘Fill my Cup Lord: Set free and send. She underscored the importance of women’s roles in families, workplaces, and communities, noting that true empowerment comes from balancing care for others with self-renewal and urged the women gathered to break the chains of oppression, defend justice, and be fearless voices for the voiceless.

Turning her attention to national issues, Hon. Sowah re-echoed government’s National Sanitation Day initiative, which takes place on the first Saturday of every month, appealing to women of faith to actively participate in clean-up exercises, citing sanitation as one of Ghana’s most pressing challenges.

“Our sanitation situation is quite serious. We still practice open defecation in some areas, have poorly maintained toilets, and poor solid waste management, and these practices pollute our water sources, contaminate our air, and cause diseases. We must act” she emphasized.

Hon. Sowah reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to partnering with faith-based organisations like the SDA Church to drive social and moral transformation and charged participants to of the National Women Prayer Conference to remain resolute, hopeful, and purpose driven.

The conference is an annual event, hosted by the Southern Ghana Union Conference of the SDA Church. This year’s event, brought together hundreds of women leaders, church officials, and community members united in prayer and advocacy for spiritual renewal and national development.

Israel’s Ambassador to Ghana, His Ex. Roey Gilad commended the Women’s Ministry of the Adventist Church for their role in supporting the vulnerable and called for prayers for to help end the Gaza war.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, as part of its mandate, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to working closely with traditional authorities to strengthen governance, preserve culture, and advance community development.

During a meeting with the leadership of the Council of Wulɔmei, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim indicated that as their mother Ministry, it was prudent for the Ministry to ensure their role in the preservation of cultural governance is noy underrated. The meeting was held to deliberate on key issues affecting the Council and their communities.

Hon. Ibrahim commended the Wulɔmei for their initiative in formally engaging the Ministry, noting their invaluable role in promoting peace, unity, and social cohesion. He emphasised that the guidance and influence of traditional and religious leaders remain vital to effective governance and the sustenance of Ghana’s cultural heritage.

The Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the Council, including the request for a dedicated Secretariat to facilitate their operations, proposals for a review of legislation on stool lands administration, and initiatives aimed at promoting youth development. He assured the Council that these matters, being of national importance, would be addressed constructively through collaborative dialogue.

“Government remains committed to working hand in hand with Traditional Authorities and stakeholder groups such as the Wulɔmei to strengthen collaboration, enhance cultural preservation, and advance development at both the local and national levels,” Hon. Ibrahim stated.

He expressed optimism that the engagement would yield actionable steps to address the concerns of the Ga Dangme Council while reinforcing the Ministry’s mandate of ensuring effective local governance, promoting chieftaincy, and safeguarding religious harmony.

In their submission, the leader of the Council of  Wulɔmei , Nuumo Blafo Akotia Omaitu III formally thanked the Ministry for granting them audience, stating the council though has been in existence for along time and work hand-in-hand with chiefs and king makers, it has been difficult for them to keep up in society us they do not have a physical office.

They informed the ministry that they have located an abandoned building which they would plead with government to allow them to occupy as their office, while expressing worry on their exclusion in national event. Nuumo Omaitu III expressed their appreciation for the swift response of the Ministry.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA