CALIS-Ghana backs government's renewed National Sanitation Campaign

The Citizens Alliance for Improved Sanitation in Ghana (CALIS-Ghana) has declared its full support for President John Dramani Mahama and the government’s renewed National Sanitation Campaign, including the re-launch of the National Sanitation Day initiative.

Comprising well-meaning citizens, stakeholders in the WASH sector, health professionals, and media practitioners, the Alliance believes the initiative should spark a nationwide awakening to promote a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, CALIS-Ghana emphasized that sanitation is a public good that affects all Ghanaians, regardless of their social, cultural, or economic backgrounds.

The Alliance is urging citizens across the country to form a strong partnership with the government to ensure the success of the National Sanitation Day, which resumes on the first Saturday of May 2025.

CALIS-Ghana is calling on all Ghanaians to view participation in National Sanitation Day activities as a civic duty and to approach it with a spirit of solidarity and cooperation. The Alliance maintains that collective action is essential to overcoming the country’s sanitation challenges.

The statement also appeals to development partners, NGOs, CSOs, corporate Ghana, and all stakeholders to provide financial, logistical, and moral support for lasting improvements in sanitation and waste management.

For CALIS-Ghana, the campaign offers a renewed opportunity to unite as a nation in reversing Ghana’s poor sanitation situation. The Alliance believes that through shared effort, Ghanaians can build a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous society.

National Sanitation Day, first introduced on November 1, 2014, was established in response to the cholera outbreak that year. It is observed on the first Saturday of every month and encourages voluntary clean-up exercises across the country as a means to combat unsanitary conditions that cause disease and injury.

Under the current government, the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs has been tasked with overseeing sanitation efforts. The revitalized initiative aligns with the government's broader strategy to enhance environmental sanitation, reduce sanitation-related diseases, revive communal spirit, and boost tourism and local economic development.