Sanitation continues to be one of the major challenges facing the country, with successive governments making various efforts to address the issue.
The Mahama administration,
through the Ministry of Local Government,has introduced National Sanitation Days, observed on the first Saturday of every month to encourage Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to lead community clean-up exercises.
On February 5, 2026, Sefwi Akontombra, the district capital of the Akontombra District in the Western North Region, observed its first sanitation day of the year.
Speaking to the media, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Joseph Appiah, stated that the sanitation programme has significantly improved hygiene and cleanliness in the district. However, he expressed concern that some residents do not fully participate because there is no strict enforcement mechanism in place.
“The Assembly is preparing a bylaw to ensure strict measures are implemented to protect the environment and deal with offenders,” he said. “The bylaw is currently at the gazetting stage and will soon be completed. Once enforced, it will compel residents to keep their surroundings clean.
The Member of Parliament for Akontombra, Pious Kwame Nkuah, also emphasized the need for effective implementation of existing sanitation laws. He noted that while Ghana has several sanitation regulations, enforcement remains a major challenge.
He urged that sanitation education be integrated into the Ghana Education Service curriculum to teach children the importance of cleanliness from a young age.
It is time to teach our children in schools about proper sanitation habits so they grow up understanding its importance. A clean environment promotes good health and well-being,” the MP said.
He concluded by stressing that nurturing good sanitation behaviour among the youth will help build a healthier and more responsible generation in the future.
