The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has announced the reintroduction of the Regional Sanitation Day and the Cleanest City Award, as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation in the region, according to a graphiconline report.
Speaking during an engagement with the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) on her first day in office, she stated that the initiative aligns with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) “Clean Up Ghana” agenda.
The story continued that, according to her, a Regional Sanitation Day will be observed on the last Friday of every month to promote cleanliness and proper waste management across the region.
Linda Ocloo emphasised that sanitation and waste management would be a key performance indicator (KPI) for all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), stressing the need for a more competitive and responsible approach to environmental cleanliness.
She further revealed that her administration would implement a comprehensive sanitation policy, which includes waste segregation and the provision of garbage bags and bins in public places and homes.
Additionally, she said the capacities of sanitation and waste management departments within the MMDAs will be strengthened to enhance efficiency. She added that social and behavioural change campaigns would be intensified to educate citizens on proper sanitation practices.
The Minister also highlighted her commitment to strengthening local governance by working closely with traditional authorities, religious organisations and other stakeholders to deepen decentralisation.
The reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day (NSD) and the Cleanest City Award is a commendable initiative aimed at addressing the region’s ongoing waste management challenges. By designating the last Friday of every month as Regional Sanitation Day, the Minister seeks to instill a culture of cleanliness and proper waste disposal practices among residents.
For this program to succeed where others have failed, it must be backed by a strong commitment to enforcement, public engagement, and sustainable strategies.
The country has a history of launching sanitation campaigns, many of which started with enthusiasm but failed to achieve a lasting impact. The original National Sanitation Day was introduced in 2014 as a response to a cholera outbreak, with the first Saturday of every month, designated for nationwide clean-up exercises.
Although it initially received support from government officials and some segments of the population, participation declined over time due to political divisions, lack of enforcement and inconsistent public engagement. Instead of becoming a nationwide movement, it became a government-driven exercise that many viewed as an obligation rather than a shared responsibility.
Similarly, the National Sanitation Campaign, launched in November 2017, was aimed to change sanitation habits and encourage citizens to take ownership of their environment. However, like its predecessor, the campaign struggled to sustain momentum. Issues such as inadequate waste collection systems, limited resources for local government authorities and lack of behavioral change among citizens hindered its success.
These past failures provide critical lessons for the current initiative, underscoring the need for a more structured, inclusive and well-enforced approach.
The success of the reintroduced Sanitation Day and the Cleanest City Award will not be determined by the government’s efforts alone. Achieving a cleaner Greater Accra requires the collective action of citizens, civil society organizations, the private sector, and the media.
Environmental cleanliness is not just about aesthetics; it is a public health issue that affects everyone. Poor sanitation contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria, putting a strain on the country’s healthcare system.
It also impacts tourism, business investments, and overall economic development. Therefore, all stakeholders must play their part in ensuring that Greater Accra becomes not only the cleanest region in Ghana but also a model for sustainable sanitation practices nationwide.
While the reintroduction of the sanitation day initiative is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness will depend on how well it is executed. If properly implemented, monitored, and enforced, this initiative has the potential to transform the region’s sanitation landscape and foster a culture of environmental responsibility among Ghanaians.
However, if history is any indication, good intentions alone are not enough. The challenge now lies in ensuring that this initiative is not just another short-lived campaign but a lasting solution to Greater Accra’s sanitation problems.
