The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Hon. Freda Prempeh, has called upon all Ghanaians to actively fulfill their designated roles effectively in matters related to sanitation and hygiene.
The call is essential to realize the government’s vision of achieving a clean Ghana.
She made these remarks during the launch of World Cleanup Day, celebrated annually on September 30. The local theme for the event is “Cleaning for Safe, Healthy, and Sustainable Ghana.”
The launch took place at the Minister’s Press Briefing in Accra.
The World Cleanup Day celebration involves various activities, including a widespread clean-up initiative across Ghana, awareness campaigns through traditional and social media, and thorough premises inspections conducted by District Assemblies staff, among other events.
“The Government and Non-State Actors, the Media as well as individuals are urged to come together to plan and execute cleanup activities across the country. We need to educate the youth who are the future leaders of this country with the view of instilling in them a sense of responsibility towards the environment, she said.”
Minister Freda Prempeh emphasized the significance of World Cleanup Day in Ghana, highlighting the importance of collaboration and partnerships. S
he urged all stakeholders, including the government, non-state actors, media, and individuals, to join forces in planning and executing clean-up activities nationwide.
The goal is to educate the youth, who are the future leaders of the country, and instill in them a sense of responsibility toward environmental conservation.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s mandate to develop policies that enhance the delivery of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in the country.
She also outlined the roles and responsibilities of various entities, including Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, in providing WASH facilities and enforcing sanitation bylaws.
World Cleanup Day, celebrated on September 30, is a global movement that originated in Estonia in 2008. It has since grown exponentially, bringing together millions of people worldwide to clean up their environments, raise awareness about responsible waste management, and promote sustainable living.
Minister Freda Prempeh highlighted Ghana’s achievements in the WASH sector, including being the first country to sign the Sanitation and Water for All Compact. This commitment has enabled Ghana to prioritize WASH services delivery and achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) related to water, well ahead of the deadline.
She noted that Ghana has made significant investments in expanding water and sanitation services, resulting in increased access to basic drinking water and improved sanitation facilities. Additionally, progress has been made in maintaining good ambient water quality and proper solid waste disposal.
Looking forward, the Minister emphasized the government’s vision for the WASH sector, including effective water resources management, the expansion of access to liquid waste management, and improved solid waste management practices.
She also highlighted the importance of hygiene practices, especially handwashing, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Minister expressed concern about the negative impact of illegal mining activities on water resources, aquatic life, and public health. She underscored the need for collaborative efforts to mitigate these activities and protect Ghana’s freshwater resources.