The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs in Ghana has announced that the country will observe National Sanitation Day on Saturday, October 3, 2026. This month's exercise will also serve as Ghana's national commemoration of World Cleanup Day 2026. According to a statement issued on Friday, October 2, the day will be marked with cleanup activities across the country.
In Accra, the flagship exercise will be held in collaboration with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), starting at 7:00 a.m. at Rawlings Park. From there, cleanup activities will extend to identified locations across the metropolis. The ministry has called on all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to mobilise residents and stakeholders for the exercise in their respective jurisdictions.
The ministry has urged traditional and religious leaders, businesses, schools, market associations, transport operators, civil society organisations, environmental groups, youth and volunteer organisations, development partners and the media to support the exercise. Individuals are also encouraged to clean their homes and surroundings, clear litter and refuse from public spaces, participate in community cleanup activities and adopt responsible waste management practices.
This year's National Sanitation Day will also mark Ghana's national commemoration of World Cleanup Day, which was observed globally on September 20, 2026. The ministry acknowledged individuals, volunteer groups, civil society organisations, businesses, institutions and communities that independently organised or participated in cleanup and environmental activities on that day.
The global theme for this year's World Cleanup Day is “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities,” which focuses on reducing food waste and its environmental impact. Ghana’s complementary national theme is “National Sanitation Day: Local Actions Yielding National Impact.”
The ministry said National Sanitation Day should go beyond periodic cleanup exercises and help promote responsible environmental practices in homes, markets, workplaces, schools and communities. It has therefore urged Ghanaians to participate in the exercise on Saturday and contribute to cleaner and healthier communities.
By participating in the National Sanitation Day exercise, Ghanaians can contribute to a national effort to maintain cleanliness and promote environmental sustainability. The exercise is expected to bring together various stakeholders to take action towards a cleaner and healthier environment.
Key points
- The exercise aims to promote responsible environmental practices nationwide.
- The day will be marked with cleanup activities across the country.
- Ghana’s National Sanitation Day complements the global World Cleanup Day theme.
