News
Local Government Minister reveals government’s intention to revive the National Sanitation Day initiative
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Ahmed Ibrahim has revealed government’s intention to revive the National Sanitation Day initiative.
The day he said forms part of efforts to combat water pollution and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water in Ghana.
Speaking at the 2025 World Water Day media engagement and panel discussion, organized by World Vision Ghana in partnership with other stakeholders in Accra on Tuesday, he highlighted the critical link between water and sanitation stressing the need for a collective approach to prevent the contamination of the country’s water bodies.
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim urged metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) to implement comprehensive and sustainable strategies to foster positive attitudes toward water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in their communities.
He emphasized that without a change in behaviour, investments in WASH initiatives would not achieve their intended impact.
“One of the major barriers to sustainable water service delivery is the poor attitude of citizens. Therefore, I encourage MMDAs to develop and implement sustained behavioural change strategies,” Mr Ibrahim stated.
Mr Ibrahim also highlighted the importance of data in planning and executing WASH interventions effectively.
“MMDAs must be innovative in attracting additional resources and should also familiarise themselves with relevant sector policies and strategic documents,” he advised.
He assured that the ministry remained committed to ensuring the proper dissemination of these policies to enhance the capacity of MMDA staff.
“We are dedicated to working with all stakeholders to guarantee access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation for all, promoting both good health and socio-economic development,” he added.
The minister further stressed the importance of inter-ministerial coordination to harmonise data and find solutions to WASH service challenges.
He also called for a national conversation on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its impact on corporate taxation.
“It is crucial to evaluate CSR initiatives to ensure they genuinely contribute to societal well-being,” he noted, adding that this would foster accountability among companies regarding their social and environmental impact.
The National Director of WVG, Jean-Claude Mukadi, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to address challenges in access to safe drinking water.
He urged the government to increase investment in WASH programmes to ensure universal access to clean water, especially for children.
“Through World Vision’s efforts, we have completed and commissioned 958 boreholes with hand pumps across various communities. Additionally, we have delivered 197 solar-powered mechanised water systems and provided 368 schools and 157 healthcare facilities with safe drinking water sources,” Mr. Mukadi stated.
Development Geographer at the University of Cape Coast, Professor Simon Mariwah, expressed concern over the declining investment trend in WASH
By Benedicta Gyimaah Folley
News
Invest in the welfare of children – UNICEF
The Country Representative for United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, has urged the government and other stakeholders to invest more in the welfare of children.
He explained that Africa was home to a growing number of children, and by the year 2050, four out of every 10 children in the world will live in Africa.
This, he said, was a major reason why more investments are needed in children’s education, health, nutrition, safety, digital access, and job training.
Mr Khogali said this in a statement copied to The Spectator in Accra on Monday June 16 to commemorate the Day of the African Child.
Every year on June 16, the Day of the African Child is celebrated to remember the brave children of the 1976 Soweto Uprising in South Africa. These children stood up against unfair education and fought for their rights. Today, the day reminds everyone to stand up for the rights and welfare of African children.
Mr. Khogali said, “we must act now so that children would not only survive but grow and succeed. Africa’s future is global, and it begins with the children of today.”
The Country Representative for UNICEF said, in Ghana, children make up about 45 per cent of the country’s population, indicating that the future of Ghana depends heavily on how well children were supported and protected today.
He therefore called on governments, communities, families, and individuals to work together and make sure every child has access to good education, health care, safety, and opportunities.
“Helping children now is the smartest way to build a strong and successful country,” he added.
UNICEF is the world’s leading children’s organisation. It works in over 190 countries to protect children’s rights and ensure that every child has the chance to live, grow, and reach their full potential.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
News
First Lady, Lordina Mahama address 7th Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative Summit in Dubai
The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana on Wednesday, June 18, addressed the prestigious 7th Edition of the Merck Foundation First Ladies Initiative (MFFLI) Summit in Dubai.
The programme held at Hilton Hotel was attended by First Ladies from about 15 African and Asian countries.
The First Lady shared insights on strengthening healthcare systems, empowering women, and celebrating the impactful partnership between Ghana and the Merck Foundation over the past 13 years.
Mrs Mahama also underscored the critical role of First Ladies as Ambassadors for the “More Than a Mother” campaign, working to break the stigma around infertility and promote gender equality.
At the Committee Meeting held on Thursday, June 19, Mrs.Lordina Mahama through her presentation showed video documentary of her varied projects aimed at impacting lives.
The documentary showcased her extensive works in Education, health and other sectors of the country.
This received applauds and commendation from her colleague First Ladies and leadership of Merck Foundation.
Expressing gratitude to the Merck Foundation, she reiterated her and the Lordina Foundation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration for enhanced initiatives in health, education, and combating social stigma across Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme, Dubai
