The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim has reaffirmed government’s commitment to restoring cleanliness and order across the country, as he led ongoing engagements under the National Sanitation Week initiative.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, 17^th December 2025 after visiting Okaikwei North, Ga Central, Ga North and Ga South Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), he observed that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) have heeded the call and moved to the grounds to ensure the city is clean and ready for the Christmas celebration.

He explained that the National Sanitation Week, which runs from Saturday to Saturday, is not a one-off exercise rather a broader national reset aimed at making Ghana clean and bright. According to him, sanitation activities will continue beyond the designated week, gradually transitioning into a 24-hour sanitation culture across the country.

The Minister also highlighted complementary interventions including the distribution of streetlights by Regional Ministers to MMDAs nationwide to illuminate streets and public spaces to ensure that by Saturday, 20^th December 2025 the country is clean and bright

The Minister commended the media for their sustained support in amplifying sanitation messages and holding duty bearers accountable. He urged MMDCEs to demonstrate inner drive and leadership initiative, emphasizing that progress must not depend on external pressure.

He cautioned that unannounced monitoring visits will continue, noting that with the combined force of the media, field inspections, and the National Complaint Center, accountability at the local level will be significantly heightened.

Source: Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

The Principal Environmental Health Management Officer and Monitoring Team Lead from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Kwaku Quansah, has reiterated that the National Sanitation Week is a nationwide behavioural change agenda aimed at sustained environmental cleanliness and beautification, and not a one-day exercise.

Speaking during the Ministry’s monitoring tour on Thursday, 18th December 2025 for day six at three, Mr. Quansah emphasized that sanitation activities are deliberately being carried out throughout the weekdays, to demonstrate government’s commitment to making cleanliness a daily responsibility rather than an occasional event, especially as the country prepares for the Christmas festivity.

He said citizens must move beyond the mindset that sanitation is limited to first Saturday of every month. The National Sanitation Agenda is about sustained action, ownership and proper waste management to ensure that the communities always remain clean and healthy.

The monitoring team visited La Dadekotopon (LADMA), Ledzokuku and Krowor Municipal Assemblies, where team members interacted with Assembly officials, sanitation workers, community volunteers and residents actively participating in weeding, desilting of drainages, clearing of medians and general environmental beautification.

At La Dadekotopon Municipal Assembly, the Team Lead commended the active involvement of community members observed weeding along principal roads, under the supervision of the Regional Environmental Health Officer, Madam Sybil Marie Boison. He noted that such community-led efforts are critical to achieving lasting sanitation outcomes.

In Ledzokuku, the team observed coordinated clean-up activities involving both men and women, supported by labourers and Assembly officials. They praised the Municipal Cleansing Officer, Mr. Yaw Adusei Boateng, and the Environmental Health Officer, Madam Doris Lawoe, for ensuring effective supervision, including the use of machinery to level sandy areas and enhance the aesthetic value of the municipality.

At the Krowor Municipal Assembly, the monitoring team lauded the hands-on leadership demonstrated by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Ing. Paul Afotey Quaye, and the Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Abukari Abdul-Wahab, particularly in addressing choked drainages within inner communities. He noted that leadership visibility and consistent community engagement remain key drivers of compliance and behavioural change.

The Ministry’s team expressed commitment to working closely with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, traditional authorities, religious bodies and the media to build a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility across the country.

Source:   Chantal Aidoo

Public Relations Unit, MLGCRA

Faith-Based Organisations (FBOs) and government officials gathered in Bolgatanga on Monday, 15th December 2025, to strengthen efforts in ending gender-based violence, including child marriage. The meeting, a collaboration between the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), brought together religious leaders from various denominations across the Upper East Region to discuss strategies and partnerships to create safer communities.

The event formed part of activities marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, aiming to intensify advocacy and action against all forms of violence, particularly those affecting women and girls. The Ministry noted that FBOs play a crucial role in shaping values and influencing social norms, making their involvement critical in the national response to gender-based violence.

During the engagement, participants discussed strategies to enhance their collective efforts to end child marriage, a practice that continues to threaten the wellbeing, safety, and future of many young girls. The discussions highlighted the need for sustained community advocacy, early reporting of cases, and continued education on the rights of women and children.

Resource persons presented key support systems and tools available to faith-based institutions to assist survivors of abuse, including referral pathways, guidance on psychosocial support, and avenues for collaboration with state and non-state actors working in the GBV response space. Participants were urged to leverage these resources to provide timely and appropriate assistance to vulnerable groups within their communities.

Naba Salifu Baba Alemyaruum, Paramount Chief of Bongo Traditional Area, who chaired the meeting, emphasized the importance of investing in the girl child, saying, "The girl child is the heartbeat of our communities and part of our cultural heritage. Let's invest in her education, health, and empowerment to secure a brighter future for all."

A speech read on behalf of the Chief Director of the MLGCRA, Mr. Amin Abdul-Rahaman, emphasized the importance of collective action against GBV and child marriage. He acknowledged the unique influence of faith leaders in shaping values and inspiring change, and expressed gratitude to the UNFPA for its partnership.

The meeting concluded with stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to working together to build safer communities and sustain momentum in the fight against gender-based violence.

SOURCE: Sandra Owusu Asamoah

MLGCRA Public Relations Unit