President Mahama’s Speech at the Launch of National Sanitation Day

Mr. Chairman, Honorable Ministers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Environmental sanitation is fundamental to public health, education, and tourism, serving as a key driver for sustainable socio-economic development in every country. Despite our progress in environmental sanitation service delivery, challenges persist.

Unsanitary conditions lead to the spread of diseases and environmental degradation, hindering our progress as a nation. Therefore, it is our duty to prioritize these issues with unwavering resolve and coordinated efforts.

In recognition of this need, my government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs, is reintroducing the National Sanitation Day as part of the “Clean Up Ghana” agenda. This initiative aims to foster a culture of environmental responsibility, improve public health, and enhance the beauty of our communities.

The National Sanitation Day is a call to action for all Ghanaians—regardless of political affiliation, social status, ethnicity, or religious beliefs—to unite in keeping our surroundings clean. It signifies community ownership and collective responsibility for maintaining a healthy environment, driven by partnerships among government institutions, traditional authorities, community organizations, businesses, and the public.

The success of the previous National Sanitation Day (2014-2016) demonstrated the potential of citizen-led efforts. The reintroduced National Sanitation Day will be observed on the first Saturday of every month. I urge all Ghanaians to come out and actively participate in cleaning our surroundings.

Objectives of National Sanitation Day:

1. Promote awareness and encourage community-led efforts.
2. Establish a culture of routine cleaning and maintenance.
3. Enhance the aesthetic beauty of our cities and towns.
4. Improve environmental sanitation and hygiene practices.
5. Support economic development through tourism.

I believe that the National Sanitation Day will contribute significantly to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those prioritizing health, sustainable cities, clean water, and climate action.

The “Resetting Ghana” agenda is committed to ensuring that every Ghanaian has access to improved sanitation facilities. We are investing in modern waste management systems across the country, creating opportunities for employment and economic empowerment.

Our government is dedicated to protecting the environment through initiatives like Blue Water River Guards and Tree for Life Restoration. These programs engage youth in combatting illegal mining, protecting river bodies, and promoting afforestation.

I assure Ghanaians that we will implement a new performance assessment framework for local leaders, incorporating stringent environmental sanitation indicators to prioritize sanitation services.

To make National Sanitation Day a success, I emphasize the critical role of stakeholders. We are not just cleaning; we are securing the health of our people and leaving a legacy for future generations.

I urge our media friends to raise awareness and promote responsible environmental practices, while I appeal to our traditional and religious leaders to inspire their communities to support this initiative.

As part of our agenda to improve the quality of life, we will upgrade Environmental Health and Sanitation Units at various levels to deliver sustainable sanitation services.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the National Sanitation Day, we will introduce the Cleanest City Award to recognize districts dedicated to maintaining a clean environment.

The success of National Sanitation Day relies on our collective efforts. Let us take responsibility for our environment and ensure our surroundings reflect our pride.

I call on all Ghanaians to embrace this initiative and make National Sanitation Day a celebration of our commitment to a cleaner, healthier Ghana. Together, we can build a nation that future generations will be proud of.

On this note, I declare National Sanitation Day duly launched.

Thank you, and may God bless our homeland, Ghana.