Ghanaian government to link local executive assessments to sanitation performance

Ghanaian Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has announced that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will now be assessed based on their sanitation performance. Speaking at the second National Dialogue on Decentralisation and Responsive Governance in Accra, she noted that recent flooding highlighted critical weaknesses in waste management and environmental enforcement.

To address these issues, the government plans to establish a District Environment, Health, and Sanitation Department to increase local accountability. The Vice President also emphasized the importance of the Clean Up Ghana campaign, noting that cleanliness must be a continuous effort rather than a monthly activity. Additionally, she highlighted decentralization reforms, including increased transfers from the District Assemblies Common Fund and the development of the National Decentralisation Policy and Strategic Framework (2026–2030).

In a separate call for action, Peter Abaje, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Chairman for the Asante Akyem North Constituency, urged the government to ensure the timely distribution of sanitation equipment to local assemblies. He argued that providing necessary resources is essential for communities to tackle environmental degradation and public health threats effectively.