Mayor of Accra directs Accra traders to sweep surroundings every hour

Ghana's Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has emphasized the importance of tackling the country's sanitation and environmental problems without allowing politics to interfere. He made this call at the launch of the Second Ecumenical Convention of the Christian Council of Ghana (CCG) in Accra.

Ayariga stated that poor sanitation impacts all citizens, regardless of their political beliefs, and should not be viewed as a partisan issue. He called for a collective effort from the government, political parties, religious bodies, communities, businesses, and individuals to address the sanitation crisis.

The minister highlighted the need for responsible individual behavior, urging people not to throw sachet-water waste into drains or out of public transport, urging shopkeepers to keep their surroundings clean and encouraging parents to instill environmental respect in their children.

Poor sanitation has severe consequences, such as disease, pests, blocked drains, loss of lives, and added expenses to the State. Additionally, unclean surroundings can hinder investment in the country. Ayariga encouraged churches to use their influence to promote responsible environmental behavior among their congregations and communities.

The CCG's Vice Chairman, Rt. Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, noted that the Church has a responsibility to act as an agent of transformation rather than merely focusing on worship. He emphasized that Christianity arrived in Ghana as a fractured Church, but denominations have united over the years to serve the nation and strengthen unity.

Kwakye stated that the convention's theme of "United in Christ, Transforming Society through Creation Care" offers Christians the opportunity to reflect on how their unity in Christ can manifest in practical actions for society. He reminded attendees that the earth belongs to God, and humans are stewards of His creation.

Rt. Rev. Dr Opare Kwakye emphasized that the concept of dominion over God's creation in the Bible should not be interpreted as a license to exploit the environment but rather as a responsibility to care for it. He pointed out that Ghana continues to face issues like filth, open defecation, environmental degradation, and water body pollution.

Rt. Rev. Dr Opare Kwakye called for a renewed awakening that would make citizens accountable for the environment. Rev. Dr Cyril Fayose, the General Secretary of the CCG, highlighted the country's environmental crisis, affecting rivers, streams, forests, land, sanitation, and waste management.

Fayose challenged the Church to demonstrate unity through practical national service and ensure that conventions do not end with speeches and resolutions but lead to commitments, collaboration, and measurable action. He urged the Church to promote environmental stewardship as a sustained culture in various settings, including congregations, schools, institutions, homes, and communities.

Fayose called for empowering the youth to become agents of transformation, enterprise, and responsible citizenship, while advocating for financial systems to support responsible enterprise and community well-being.