Local Gov’t Ministry calls for stronger partnerships to improve water, sanitation services

The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening local governments to improve the delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene services across the country.

The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs made the commitment in a statement marking the 2026 African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development, observed on August 10.

According to the Ministry, empowering Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) is critical to ensuring effective local service delivery and building resilient and inclusive communities.

The Ministry said government would focus on improving the institutional capacity of local governments, establishing sustainable financing arrangements and deepening partnerships to enhance the delivery of water and sanitation services.

It said, “The Ministry reaffirms its resolve to strengthen local governments through improved institutional capacity, sustainable financing arrangements and stronger multi-stakeholder partnerships to enhance the delivery of water and sanitation services across the country.”

The Ministry further stressed that stronger local institutions are essential to achieving sustainable development and improving living conditions in communities.

“The Ministry further recognises that empowering local governments is critical to building resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities and territories.”

The government also highlighted the importance of 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.

According to the Ministry, such partnerships are necessary to extend water and sanitation services to underserved and hard-to-reach communities while promoting community ownership of development projects.

The statement was issued as Ghana joined other African Union member states to commemorate the African Day for Decentralisation and Local Development, held under the theme: “Empowered Local Governments for Sustainable Water and Sanitation: Advancing Resilient, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities and Territories towards Agenda 2063.”