President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana’s current sanitation system is failing and the solution lies in handing the reins to local authorities.
Speaking directly to Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) leaders at a high-profile an orientation session at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Accra, the President outlined a groundbreaking decentralization strategy designed to transform waste management across the nation.
President Mahama highlighted that the existing sanitation system has been overly centralized, limiting the participation of local assemblies in critical aspects such as procurement and supervision.
“Our current waste management model is not working because it has become highly centralized,” he stated.
According to the President, MMDAs have largely been excluded from procuring waste management equipment and overseeing sanitation workers, which has undermined accountability and efficiency.
He explained “MMDA’s have largely not been involved in procurement of waste management equipments and accessories.
“They have also felt that supervison of sanitation and cleaners is not a part of their responsibilities,” he added.
To address these challenges, the government will issue clear guidelines enabling MMDAs to select sanitation service providers through a transparent and competitive bidding process.
“You will receive guidance for transparently selecting your sanitation service providers through a competitive process,” President Mahama declared.
In addition, President Mahama revealed that at least 10% of the common fund allocated to MMDAs will be earmarked specifically for sanitation projects.
He stated “10% of your common fund in the guidance is year mark for sanitation.”
Furthermore, funds generated from the Communication Service Levy currently managed by the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) will be decentralized to district assemblies to bolster their sanitation efforts.
“Funds from communication service levy which is administered by the YEA will be decentralized to your districts.”
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to a broad research and reform agenda, President Mahama emphasized that the sanitation overhaul is part of a larger plan to revitalize all sectors of Ghana’s economy.
“We pledge to the Ghanaian people that we will implement a reset agenda. This agenda applies to every facet of national life including sanitation and waste management,” he affirmed.
The President concluded by underscoring that MMDAs will be fully accountable for both the procurement process and the results of sanitation services in their areas.
“You will be fully responsible for the process and also fully responsible for the outcome,” he said, calling on local leaders to embrace their new roles with transparency and dedication.
Source: www.kumasimail.com /Kwadwo Owusu
