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Local Government Minister reveals government’s intention to revive the National Sanitation Day initiative
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim has revealed government’s intention to revive the National Sanitation Day initiative.
The day he said forms part of efforts to combat water pollution and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water in Ghana.
Speaking at the 2025 World Water Day media engagement and panel discussion, organized by World Vision Ghana in partnership with other stakeholders in Accra on Tuesday, he highlighted the critical link between water and sanitation stressing the need for a collective approach to prevent the contamination of the country’s water bodies.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim urged metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) to implement comprehensive and sustainable strategies to foster positive attitudes toward water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in their communities.
He emphasized that without a change in behaviour, investments in WASH initiatives would not achieve their intended impact.
“One of the major barriers to sustainable water service delivery is the poor attitude of citizens. Therefore, I encourage MMDAs to develop and implement sustained behavioural change strategies,” Mr Ibrahim stated.
Mr Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of data in planning and executing WASH interventions effectively.
“MMDAs must be innovative in attracting additional resources and should also familiarise themselves with relevant sector policies and strategic documents,” he advised.
He assured that the ministry remained committed to ensuring the proper dissemination of these policies to enhance the capacity of MMDA staff.
“We are dedicated to working with all stakeholders to guarantee access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation for all, promoting both good health and socio-economic development,” he added.
The minister further stressed the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to harmonise data and find solutions to WASH service challenges.
He also called for a national conversation on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its impact on corporate taxation.
“It is crucial to evaluate CSR initiatives to ensure they genuinely contribute to societal well-being,” he noted, adding that this would foster accountability among companies regarding their social and environmental impact.
The National Director of WVG, Jean-Claude Mukadi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to address challenges in access to safe drinking water.
He urged the government to increase investment in WASH programmes to ensure universal access to clean water, especially for children.
“Through World Vision’s efforts, we have completed and commissioned 958 boreholes with hand pumps across various communities. Additionally, we have delivered 197 solar-powered mechanised water systems and provided 368 schools and 157 healthcare facilities with safe drinking water sources,” Mr. Mukadi stated.
Development Geographer at the University of Cape Coast, Professor Simon Mariwah, expressed concern over the declining investment trend in WASH
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
News
President Mahama appoints Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana
President John Dramani Mahama has in accordance with Section 17 of the Bank of Ghana Act, 2002 (Act 612) as amended, appointed Mrs. Matilda Asante-Asiedu as the Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
This was revealed in a statement signed by Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye-Ofosu.
Mrs. Asante-Asiedu is a Chartered Banker and seasoned corporate leader who has served as Group Head, Retail Banking at Access Bank Ghana PLC.
Mrs Asante-Asiedu holds an MBA in Marketing from GIMPA Business School (2021), an MA inJournalism Studies from Cardiff University (2005), and diplomas in Journalism (Ghana Institute of Journalism, 1997) and Politics and Public Affairs Reporting (International Institute of Journalism,Berlin, 2000).
A Chartered Executive Banker (CIB-Ghana, 2024).
She has undertaken Executive Programmes at Said Business School at Oxford University (2023), Wharton School (2015) and Marquette University’s Les Aspin Centre (2003), among others.
News
Prez Mahama is committed to open-up Afram Plains once and for all – Kwame Agbodza
The government is set to construct a 3.6km bridge over the River Afram in the Eastern Region, along with approximately 100km of road network.
This initiative, part of President Mahama’s “Big Push” infrastructure plan, aims to boost agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty.
Some of the roads being considered included Mpraeso – Obomeng – Nkawkaw, Abooso – Mpaem, Mpaem – Kwahu – Adawso and Feyiase – Kwahu Tafo. The rest are, Ekye Amanfrom – Takoratwene, Takoratwene – Dome, Takoratwene – Donkorkrom and Donkorkrom – New Kyeiase.
Earlier today, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr.Kwame Agbodza, led a team of engineers to assess the proposed location of the bridge and some critical roads.
Speaking to the media at Donkorkrom after the assessment tour, Mr. Agbodza assured the people that President Mahama is “committed to opening up the Afram Plains once and for all.”
“The bridge when completed will connect Eastern, Ashanti and OTI regions in a very strategic way. It will open up the place for big time agriculture and investment in agro-processing,” he emphasized.
The project is expected enhance economic development, foster regional integration, generate income through agriculture and other sectors.
