Rev. Ayer emphasised that cleanliness was a collective responsibility that all citizens must embrace to support the government’s sanitation efforts.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, he said poor sanitation remained a significant public health challenge, contributing to the spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid.
He stated that these illnesses were largely preventable through proper sanitation practices, including regular clean-up exercises, responsible waste disposal, and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene.
Ghana had struggled with sanitation-related diseases for years, and health authorities continued to attribute many outbreaks to improper waste disposal, clogged drainage systems, and unhygienic living conditions; therefore, Ghanaians must collectively come together to fight the challenge, he said.
Mr Ayer called on religious bodies, including churches and mosques, to take the lead in organising clean-up exercises within their communities and encouraged schools, businesses, and other organisations to implement regular sanitation initiatives that promote cleanliness in public spaces.
He noted that maintaining a clean environment not only reduces the spread of diseases but also improves the overall quality of life for citizens, explaining that, beyond preventing diseases, it enhances mental well-being, boosts productivity, and protects ecosystems.
Rev. Ayer urged policymakers and local government authorities to intensify public awareness campaigns on the importance of cleanliness and proper sanitation, recommending that sanitation laws should be strictly enforced to hold individuals and businesses accountable for their waste management practices.
He also encouraged the provision of adequate waste collection bins and improved waste disposal facilities in both urban and rural areas to make it easier for citizens to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings.
GNA
