“Relaunch of National Sanitation Day: A Clean Environment, Our Collective Responsibility” – Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim

Story by Fada Amakye

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining a clean environment. Speaking at the relaunch of National Sanitation Day, Hon. Ibrahim stressed that environmental sanitation, public health, and sustainable development are critical issues that require a national movement to restore cleanliness, discipline, and dignity to communities, cities, and towns.

According to Hon. Ibrahim, improper waste disposal, poor drainage management, and weak enforcement of sanitation bylaws have severe consequences, including the spread of diseases like malaria and other sanitation-related illnesses. He noted that these issues have led to tragic loss of lives, flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and economic setbacks.

The National Sanitation Day, originally introduced in September 2014 under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, demonstrated the power of collective action in making communities cleaner and healthier. Hon. Ibrahim emphasized that the relaunch of the initiative is a renewed social contract between the government and citizens, aimed at promoting discipline, pride, and national dignity through a clean environment.

The Minister outlined key objectives of the relaunch, including:

1.Empowering local government practice with integrated sanitation management
2.Encouraging citizen participation and accountability
3.Promoting a clean environment as a matter of public health and national dignity

Hon. Ibrahim called on all Ghanaians, communities, public institutions, the private sector, and the media to actively participate in the National Sanitation Day initiative. He emphasized the importance of openness and accountability, highlighting the role of the media in promoting transparency and good governance.

By working together, Hon. Ibrahim believes that Ghanaians can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all.