The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced that Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) will now be assessed on handwashing and hygiene promotion as part of their performance evaluations.
Speaking at the commemoration of the 2025 Global Handwashing Day in Accra, Ahmed Ibrahim said that the new measure is to strengthen accountability and ensure local assemblies take practical steps to promote hygiene in their communities.
He explained that assemblies will be evaluated on the availability of handwashing facilities, hygiene education, and collaboration with the private sector and civil society groups.
He acknowledged progress made with over 6000 handwashing stations installed nationwide, but said more effort is needed to ensure access to soap and water, especially in schools and rural health centres.
This year’s Global Handwashing Day is being marked under the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero.”
The Minister described handwashing as not only a public health measure but a foundation for sustainable development and climate resilience.