By Philip Antoh
Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has urged Ghanaians to shift from episodic sanitation exercises to making environmental cleanliness a permanent daily habit.
According to him, the country’s sanitation crisis cannot be solved by government intervention alone but requires concerted effort from all Ghanaians
Speaking at the Ghana Sanitation and Clean Environment Conference, held under the theme “Towards a Clean Ghana: Collective Action for Sustainable Cities, Responsible Production and Climate Resilience,” Dr. Debrah called for a coordinated national effort to build communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
Describing a clean environment as ‘not a luxury but necessity,’ Dr. Debrah outlined the shared responsibilities required to achieve this goal.
While he acknowledged that the government must play its part by investing in sanitation infrastructure, enforcing regulations, and holding institutions accountable, warned that state policies will ultimately fail without public cooperation.
He noted that government efforts are rendered ineffective if citizens continue to litter, businesses ignore responsible production practices, and institutions fail to uphold environmental standards.
Instead, he identified clean drains, safe sanitation facilities, protected water bodies, restored forests, and proper waste management as the essential pillars of a healthier Ghana.
Highlighting the need for a major mindset shift, the Chief of Staff stressed that keeping the country clean must go far beyond token monthly clean-up exercises.
“Cleanliness must become a daily habit, not a monthly ceremony,” he emphasized, challenging citizens to demonstrate greater personal discipline.
“Let us choose discipline over dirt, responsibility over indifference, and action over excuses,” he urged.
Dr. Debrah reminded the conference that the decisions made today will directly impact the environment inherited by future generations. However, he expressed strong optimism that through responsible citizenship and effective leadership, a lasting transformation is achievable.
“A cleaner Ghana is possible. A healthier Ghana is necessary. And together, by the grace of God, we will build it,” he declared.