Ghana reaffirms commitment to empowering local governments for sustainable water and sanitation

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local governments to improve the delivery of sustainable water and sanitation services in the country.

The Ministry pledged this as Ghana joined other African Union Member States to commemorate the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development (ADLD), observed annually on August 10.

This year’s celebration is on the theme, “Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063.”

The theme focused on the role of local governments in delivering essential services, particularly water and sanitation, which contribute to public health, environmental sustainability, economic growth and resilient communities.

The Ministry said Ghana’s decentralisation reforms continue to strengthen local governance institutions and empower Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to lead local development.

MMDAs are responsible for planning, coordinating and delivering public services that improve the quality of life of citizens and promote inclusive local economic development. Their role in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is also important to achieving national development priorities, the Sustainable Development Goals and the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, 87.7 per cent of households have access to basic drinking water services, while 92 per cent use improved sources of drinking water.

However, access to basic drinking water services remains higher in urban areas, at 96.4 per cent, compared with 74.4 per cent in rural areas. The Ministry said continued investment was needed to address these geographical disparities.

In sanitation, 59.3 per cent of households have access to improved toilet facilities and the Ministry said challenges remained in access to improved household toilet facilities, wastewater management and sustainable solid waste disposal, particularly in underserved communities.

It said addressing the challenges required stronger local institutions, greater community participation and increased investment in sanitation infrastructure and services.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local governments through improved institutional capacity, sustainable financing arrangements and stronger partnerships to enhance the delivery of water and sanitation services.

The Government is also promoting 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.

The Ministry said the partnerships were needed to extend services to underserved and hard-to-reach communities and promote community ownership of development interventions.

It also recognised the role of traditional and religious leaders in mobilising communities, promoting positive behavioural change and supporting local initiatives on sanitation, environmental protection, responsible water use and sustainable local development. The Ministry called on stakeholders to renew their commitment to decentralised governance and support local governments in delivering sustainable water and sanitation services.

It said stronger local institutions, active citizen participation and sustained partnerships would help Ghana advance resilient, inclusive and sustainable development in line with Agenda 2063, the Sustainable Development Goals and the vision of “The Africa We Want.”