Govt tightens sanitation accountability for MMDCEs
Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will now be assessed based on sanitation performance, the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has announced. She said Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies would be required to demonstrate measurable improvements in cleanliness and waste management in their respective areas. Speaking at the second National…
Ghana's government intends to strengthen accountability for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) through improved sanitation performance assessments, according to Vice-President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. At the second National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance, held in Accra, she emphasized the need for measurable improvements in cleanliness and waste management within MMDCE areas.
Recent floods have exposed weaknesses in sanitation, highlighting the necessity for stronger local leadership, accountability, and citizen participation in addressing environmental health concerns. To enhance local governance, the government is prioritizing environmental health and sanitation, proposing the creation of District Environment, Health, and Sanitation Departments to increase assemblies' responsibility in managing sanitation and environmental issues.
The government is also intensifying monthly clean-up exercises under the Clean Up Ghana campaign, urging MMDCEs to ensure cleanliness is a consistent effort rather than an occasional event. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called for improved public access to information on decentralisation's impact, suggesting organisers present data on job creation, tourism sites, agricultural activities, training programs, and other achievements through various platforms.
Decentralisation reforms include increased funds transferred directly to assemblies and the deepening of function devolution in key sectors. The National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (2026–2030) will guide efforts to strengthen local governance, improve service delivery, and accelerate development. The Vice President called on traditional leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and citizens to support the policy.
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