President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to decentralize the national sanitation budget, empowering districts to assume full responsibility for managing their sanitation needs.
This visionary move aims to foster local accountability, ensuring that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) are held to high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.
“Cabinet will soon convene to deliberate on the decentralization of the sanitation budget, thereby entrusting every district with the stewardship of its own sanitation”, addressing a vibrant gathering at the Old Ghanata Astroturf in Dodowa, President Mahama underscored the importance of this initiative.
“This bold step is targeted to revolutionize the country’s sanitation landscape, instilling a sense of ownership and responsibility among local authorities.”
Moreover, Mahama announced plans to revitalize the National Sanitation Day programme, transforming it into a monthly observance backed by legislative clout and substantial funding. This endeavour will be executed through symbiotic partnerships between local assemblies and private sector stakeholders.
“Cleanliness will henceforth serve as a pivotal performance indicator for evaluating the efficacy of MMDCEs, determining their tenure in office,” Mahama declared.
“We shall embark on a monthly National Sanitation Day programme, engaging all Ghanaians in this endeavour. This will no longer be a tokenistic exercise, but a rigorously implemented initiative, bolstered by legal frameworks, adequate funding, and seamless collaboration between local assemblies and private sector entities,” he emphasized. This far-reaching initiative is anticipated to profoundly impact Ghana’s sanitation sector, yielding a cleaner, healthier environment for the masses.
