The government, through the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), has reaffirmed its commitment to improving environmental sanitation and public health by commissioning and handing over sanitation tools and equipment to all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region.
The event took place on Monday, February 9, 2026, at the Ministry’s forecourt and was led by the Deputy Minister, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, with key stakeholders in local governance and environmental health in attendance.
Speaking at the ceremony, Naa Odoley Sowah highlighted that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening sanitation service delivery at the local level.
“Environmental sanitation remains a critical pillar of public health, urban resilience, and sustainable development. Communities continue to face challenges such as indiscriminate waste disposal, flooding, cholera outbreaks, and environmental degradation,” she said. “These challenges demand deliberate investment, strong leadership, and operational readiness, particularly at the district level.”
She further outlined measures introduced under President John Mahama’s leadership to address sanitation challenges nationwide, including the reintroduction of National Sanitation Day, the allocation of dedicated resources for sanitation activities, and continuous strengthening of MMDAs to deliver on their sanitation mandates.
The Deputy Minister explained that the handover of tools represents a practical step toward turning policy into measurable action at the local level. The equipment is expected to enhance MMDAs’ capacity to undertake routine and emergency sanitation activities, support monthly clean-up exercises under National Sanitation Day, and strengthen enforcement of sanitation standards by Environmental Health Officers.
Items distributed to the 29 MMDAs included 550 waste bins, 970 rakes, 1,000 shovels, 1,600 hand gloves, 120 pairs of Wellington boots, 1,000 long brooms, and 100 wheelbarrows. “These items were carefully selected to meet practical sanitation needs and complement existing district-level resources,” Naa Odoley Sowah noted.
She stressed that meaningful results would only be achieved through responsible and efficient use of the equipment. Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives were charged with providing leadership and oversight; Coordinating Directors with ensuring proper asset management; and Environmental Health Officers with deploying the tools effectively to improve sanitation outcomes.
“These assets must be properly documented, secured, and used for their intended purpose to justify the confidence Government has placed in our local authorities,” she cautioned.
The Deputy Minister also emphasized that sanitation is a shared responsibility. She called on Assemblies, traditional authorities, religious leaders, community leaders, the private sector, civil society, and citizens to work collaboratively to sustain the gains of National Sanitation Day and promote behavioural change at the community level.
“Building a culture of cleanliness, responsibility, and environmental stewardship is essential for long-term sanitation improvements,” she added, expressing confidence that the tools handed over would catalyze improved sanitation service delivery across Greater Accra.
Also present at the event were the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, the Chief Director of the Ministry, MMDCEs, Coordinating Directors, Environmental Health Officers, and members of the media.
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