Mahama administration will tackle Ghana’s sanitation crisis – Local Gov’t Minister

Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mr. Mahama Ayariga has declared that the Mahama administration is fully equipped to tackle Ghana's decades-long sanitation crisis. At the Government Accountability Series in Accra, the minister emphasized that longstanding issues such as open defecation, poor waste management, and blocked drainage systems are being addressed with increased political will and modern infrastructure.

The government's strategy focuses on sustainable, decentralized engineering and strict adherence to local laws, rather than temporary solutions.

Mr Ayariga highlighted that the current administration has already formed partnerships to establish regional waste recycling plants and expand engineered landfills in major cities. He stressed that for too long, poor sanitation has been viewed as an unsolvable problem, but under President Mahama's leadership, it is being treated as a national security and public health priority.

The minister revealed that they are investing the necessary resources, strengthening local assemblies, and monitoring progress closely to ensure success.

Mr Ayariga appealed to traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and citizens to join the government's efforts by cultivating a culture of cleanliness in their communities. The Ministry is set to introduce a national sanitation ranking system for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) later this month to promote local accountability. He has challenged Ghanaians to wait one year to witness the improvements in waste management the government promises.