National Sanitation Day to be enforced, offenders will face sanctions - Mahama

President John Mahama has announced the revival of the National Sanitation Day programme. This initiative will be legally backed to address Ghana’s sanitation issues.

During his Thank You Tour in Dodowa on May 16, he explained that the monthly exercise will be more than just symbolic. It will become a structured and well-funded operation.

“Now that most of our DCEs have been nominated and confirmed, we will begin observing the National Sanitation Day programme every month,” he said.

“This time, it will not be a symbolic event. It will be legally backed and properly funded through partnerships with local assemblies and private sector service providers.”

The success of this renewed programme relies heavily on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs). They are now mandated to ensure effective implementation in their districts.

President Mahama emphasized that cleanliness would be a key performance indicator for MMDCEs. Failure to maintain cleanliness could lead to their removal from office.

"Cleanliness will determine whether MMDCEs remain in office or are removed," he stated.

He highlighted Greater Accra's role as the nation's face. “Greater Accra must be clean, green, and dignified,” he added.

In a significant shift toward accountability, President Mahama announced stricter enforcement of laws requiring households to keep their frontages clean.

Residents who do not comply will face appropriate sanctions.

This revamped sanitation initiative comes amid rising concerns over flooding and environmental health issues in Accra.