Ghana’s sanitation campaign has received a major boost as traditional authorities and community leaders step up their involvement, signaling a new era of shared responsibility and civic participation in tackling the country’s waste management challenges.
During the November edition of the National Sanitation Day, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, praised the growing collaboration among citizens, chiefs, and religious leaders, describing it as a sign that Ghana is on the right path toward overcoming its long-standing sanitation problems.
“The overwhelming public participation, strong media support, and active involvement of traditional and religious leaders are clear indicators of progress,” he said after monitoring cleanup exercises in La Dade-Kotopon, Ledzokuku, and Krowor Municipalities.
He noted that enthusiasm among participants had resulted in about 98 percent compliance, though logistics remained a major hurdle. The Ministry, he said, was in the process of acquiring essential tools such as compactors, dustbins, and wheelbarrows to improve future cleanup activities.
“With the ongoing procurement of sanitation equipment and the expected launch of new logistics by President John Dramani Mahama, we are confident that December’s cleanup exercise will record even greater success,” the Minister assured.
Mr. Ibrahim also disclosed plans to install additional streetlights in collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies to enhance safety during sanitation activities. On recent concerns raised by the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA), he explained that the Ministry had chosen dialogue over confrontation and was working with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions.
Chiefs Push for Private Sector Involvement
The Nungua Mantse, Oboade Nortse King Professor Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, who also serves as President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, emphasized the critical role of the private sector and community institutions in maintaining a clean environment.
He urged the Member of Parliament and the Municipal Chief Executive of La Dade-Kotopon to convene a meeting with managers of La Palm Royal Beach, Pleasure Beach, and Laboma Beach to encourage their direct contribution to improving sanitation in their surroundings.
“Sanitation is a shared responsibility, not solely the duty of government. Businesses must invest in maintaining cleanliness around their premises. Proper reconstruction of gutters along the main roads to these facilities will not only promote hygiene but also enhance the appeal of their businesses,” Nii Welentsi III said.
He also took the opportunity to warn against the unchecked sale of lands, cautioning that irresponsible practices could cause severe future complications.
“If we continue to sell lands irresponsibly, we may one day find ourselves buying lands from strangers or having none left to buy,” he cautioned, adding that the Regional House of Chiefs would soon introduce strict regulations on land sales.
Call for Civic Responsibility
Nii Welentsi III reminded community leaders that leadership required active service and accountability. He encouraged citizens to adopt a personal commitment to cleanliness rather than waiting for government directives.
“True leadership goes beyond meetings and appearances—it is about service to the people,” he said.
The collaboration between the Ministry and traditional leaders marks a shift in Ghana’s approach to sanitation—from government-led campaigns to community-driven action, where every citizen, institution, and business entity plays a role in building a cleaner and more sustainable nation.
