MLGCRA delegation in a photograph with GPCC leadership
THE GHANA Pentecost and Charismatic Council (GPCC), the National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches (NACCC) and the Ga Mantse have lauded the government for reintroducing a national sanitation day, which is set to be launched soon.
First declared by the government on November 1, 2014, in response to the 2014 Ghanaian cholera outbreak, National Sanitation Day is a voluntary clean-up exercise for all Ghanaian residents to reduce unsanitary conditions that breed diseases.
Addressing delegations from the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs led by Ahmed Ibrahim, Chairman of NACCC, Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, lauded the initiative, pledging his support to ensure the campaign against filth in the country succeeds.
“We want to thank the President for taking the initiative to create awareness about the importance of sanitation in nation-building and enhancing longevity in our society. When God created man, He created the Garden of Eden and put man in charge of it. I believe God has put us in charge of the earth to protect and keep it.
Therefore, it’s not just the government’s responsibility; it’s all our responsibility to ensure our environment is neat and clean daily. This is beneficial to us, our children, and future generations. If we fail to act, history may not treat us kindly. Please let the President know that we wholeheartedly support this initiative. We will communicate this to our churches, pastors, and bishops across the country,” he said.
Archbishop Duncan-Williams called on spiritual heads of religious institutions to incorporate sanitation messages into sermons to educate communities and make cleanliness a part of their daily lives.
Similarly, the Chairman of The Church of Pentecost and President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Apostle Eric Nyamekye, also commended the government for reintroducing National Sanitation Day to combat filth in the country.
According to Apostle Nyamekye, the initiative is a step in the right direction, as poor sanitation has become a significant health hazard.
He noted that in the past, town councils effectively maintained cleanliness, but over time, this practice has been lost, leading to current sanitation challenges.
He emphasized the need for collective action, involving chiefs, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders in the campaign.
Ga Mantse (King of the Ga state), Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, extended heartfelt congratulations to the minister for spearheading the sanitation campaign, an initiative his outfit has been championing for years now to maintain a clean city.
He pledged to utilise the Asafoatsemei (palace guards) to enforce the sanitation laws and ensure that no individual litters the city.
Ahmed Ibrahim lamented the rapid rate at which plastic waste was being littered in the country, leading to the reduction or loss of soil fertility and pollution of the environment. He noted that managing sanita¬tion and hygiene required a collaborative effort among all relevant stakeholders.
“I am very grateful for the reception given to me by my religious leaders and the Ga Manste, as well, particularly during National Sanitation Day. We will still keep up with the campaign till every Ghanaian gets on board to make this a success,” he added.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke