By: Abraham Donkor
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, has decried the poor sanitation practices following public events, where waste generated is often left uncollected for days.
She warned that beyond the health risks, such practices undermine the Clean Ghana Campaign and threaten the country’s tourism aspirations.
“Apart from the health implications, this practice casts a dent on the Clean Ghana agenda and our tourism drive,” she said.
Madam Odoley Sowah noted that with several activities expected during the Yuletide, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must engage event organisers to make sanitation planning a mandatory part of event organisation.
She made the call during an unannounced inspection and monitoring tour of selected Assemblies in Accra, conducted as part of follow-up actions under the National Sanitation Day programme.
The tour was led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, together with his Deputy and officials of the Ministry. Areas inspected included Attah Mills High Street, Independence Square, the Accra Sports Stadium and the Arts Centre.
At the Accra Sports Stadium, the Deputy Minister expressed disappointment over the failure to collect waste generated during a concert held on Friday night. She directed the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, to engage the organisers and surcharge or prosecute them for breaching sanitation bye-laws.
“Event organisers must be held responsible for the filth they generate,” she stressed.
She also tasked the Assembly to intensify the removal of unauthorised billboards and signages, describing them as environmental nuisances.
The team later visited parts of the La Dadekotopon Municipality, where residents, Assembly staff and security personnel were seen desilting drains and clearing refuse.
Minister Ahmed Ibrahim commended the Municipal Chief Executive, Alfredos Nii Anyetei, for the work done and urged sustained efforts.
Mr. Anyetei noted that sanitation is a daily responsibility, assuring that the Assembly will strictly enforce sanitation bye-laws.
“Sanitation must be observed every day, not occasionally,” he said.
Sanitation Statistics
Ghana generates an estimated 12,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, with Accra producing nearly 30 per cent. Poor waste management continues to contribute to sanitation-related diseases such as cholera and malaria, particularly in urban centres.
The Ministry has therefore challenged all MMDAs nationwide to prioritise sanitation as government rolls out programmes under the 24-Hour Economy, to safeguard public health and environmental sustainability..
