Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has described the government’s two-day nationwide clean-up exercise as insufficient to address Ghana’s persistent sanitation challenges and called for the adoption of a comprehensive national sanitation policy.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday, Mr Afenyo-Markin urged the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to appear before the House and present a clear and comprehensive framework to tackle the country’s sanitation problems.
He argued that occasional clean-up exercises, though useful, could not resolve the deep-rooted challenges associated with waste management, poor sanitation and flooding.
The Minority Leader also called on Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson to brief Parliament on the disbursement of the GH¢350 million earmarked for relief items following the June 29 floods, which affected seven regions.
The two-day nationwide clean-up exercise was held on July 10 and 11, 2026, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama in response to the devastating floods and growing sanitation concerns.
The exercise brought together citizens, security agencies, local assemblies and other institutions to desilt drains, clear refuse and clean public spaces.
However, Mr Afenyo-Markin maintained that such short-term interventions must be complemented by long-term policies and sustained enforcement to achieve meaningful improvements in sanitation.
Parliament has previously discussed the need for a national sanitation policy to guide waste management, flood prevention and environmental health.
The Minority’s latest call is expected to increase pressure on the government to move beyond emergency clean-up campaigns and implement a comprehensive, long-term strategy to address Ghana’s sanitation challenges.
