The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening local governments to improve water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services across Ghana.
The Ministry made the commitment in a statement issued in Accra on Monday, August 10, 2026, to mark the African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development (ADLD).
The annual commemoration, observed on August 10, is held under the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development.
This year’s celebration is being held under the theme: “Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063.”
According to the Ministry, the theme highlights the critical role of local governments in delivering essential services while promoting sustainable and inclusive development across the continent.
The MLGCRA said Ghana’s decentralisation programme remains a key pillar of national development, with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) playing an important role in planning, coordinating and delivering public services at the local level.
The Ministry noted that the role of MMDAs is particularly significant in the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene services, which it described as essential to public health, environmental sustainability, economic growth and resilient communities.
Water and sanitation gains
The Ministry cited data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census showing that 87.7 percent of households in Ghana have access to basic drinking water services, while 92 percent use improved sources of drinking water.
However, it noted significant disparities between urban and rural communities.
According to the figures, access to basic drinking water services stands at 96.4 percent in urban areas, compared with 74.4 percent in rural areas.
The Ministry said the disparity highlights the need for continued investment to expand access to safe and reliable water, particularly in underserved communities.
On sanitation, the statement said 59.3 percent of households have access to improved toilet facilities.
While describing the figure as evidence of progress, the Ministry said further efforts were required to expand access to safe and dignified sanitation services.
It identified inequalities in access to improved household toilet facilities, wastewater management and sustainable solid waste disposal as some of the challenges that continue to affect the sector.
Government pledges stronger local institutions
The Ministry said addressing the country’s sanitation challenges would require stronger local institutions, increased community participation and greater investment in sanitation infrastructure and services.
It therefore reaffirmed government’s commitment to strengthening local governments through improved institutional capacity, sustainable financing arrangements and stronger partnerships with stakeholders.
The Ministry said empowering local governments was critical to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities and communities in line with Ghana’s development objectives.
It also highlighted ongoing collaboration among Regional Coordinating Councils, MMDAs, Ghana Water Limited, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional authorities and religious institutions to address water and sanitation challenges.
According to the Ministry, such partnerships are essential for extending services to underserved and hard-to-reach communities while promoting local ownership of development projects.
Role of traditional and religious leaders
The MLGCRA also recognised the contribution of traditional and religious leaders to local development, particularly in mobilising communities and promoting behavioural change.
The Ministry said these leaders could play a significant role in promoting sanitation, environmental stewardship, responsible water use and other practices necessary for sustainable development.
As Ghana joins other African countries to mark the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development, the Ministry called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to strengthening decentralised governance.
It urged citizens, local authorities and development partners to support MMDAs as key actors in delivering sustainable water and sanitation services.
The Ministry said strong local institutions, active citizen participation and sustained partnerships would be essential to advancing Ghana’s contribution to Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the vision of “The Africa We Want.”
Source: www.kumasimail.com
