National Sanitation Day: Minister urges personal hygiene as a cultural practice

The Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized that the reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day initiative is a collective responsibility, urging all citizens to prioritize cleanliness as a national duty.

According to the minister, the Sanitation Day and the newly introduced National Sanitation League should serve as reminders that personal hygiene must become an integral part of Ghanaian social culture.

He stressed that individuals should adopt hygiene as a lifestyle rather than an occasional practice.

Speaking on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, during a courtesy call on Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams—Chairman of the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC) and General Overseer of Action Chapel International—Ibrahim called for greater collaboration in combating plastic waste and sachet litter.

He highlighted the importance of waste segregation at the household level to facilitate recycling efforts for rubber and plastic materials.

The minister further announced that the official launch date for the National Sanitation Day would soon be made public to ensure mass participation.

He noted that Christian leaders he had engaged with during his tour expressed overwhelming support for the initiative, and discussions are ongoing with the President to determine the appropriate date for the event.

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams endorsed the initiative, advocating for National Sanitation Day to be considered a call to duty for all citizens.

He pledged his support as NACCC Chairman, stating, “This is a laudable idea, and we pledge our support. We have to be intentional, and it should be a national effort to achieve this goal. It is a difficult task, but through collaboration, we can succeed.”

During Ibrahim's visit to the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council, Apostle Eric Nyamekye also commended the initiative, emphasizing its importance in addressing environmental challenges.

“Sanitation is affecting all our rivers, and so it is commendable that the President has prioritized a National Sanitation Day. If we bring all stakeholders on board, I am confident we will succeed,” he said.

The minister also engaged the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, to solicit his support for the sanitation campaign.

AM/KA

Meanwhile, watch GhanaWeb's tour of Fort Victoria and the Cape Coast Lighthouse below: