The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Sanitation, Ahmed Ibrahim, has proposed the introduction of a dedicated sanitation levy in a bid to address the growing sanitation challenges across Ghana.

According to the Minister, the levy would serve as a crucial financial resource aimed at improving waste management, enhancing public hygiene, and supporting long-term sanitation projects in Ghana.

The Minister made this announcement while speaking to journalists following a national sanitation forum held in Accra on Thursday, March 27.

He emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat Ghana’s sanitation problems and expressed confidence that the proposed levy would play a key role in achieving this goal.

Addressing the media, Ahmed Ibrahim explained that with the recent restructuring of government responsibilities, the sanitation sector now falls under his ministry.

He acknowledged the severity of sanitation-related issues in Ghana and stressed the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions.

“I have just assumed responsibility and sanitation has just been brought under us. Establishment of a sanitation fund will call for a sanitation levy. Because when you are creating a fund, it means that you are instituting a tax.

“It has to be taken from somewhere to come and establish the fund. And it is long overdue. So it is something when Parliament reconvenes after this adjournment, as a Ministry, we will visit it and it will be done.”

Sanitation remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Ghana. The country struggles with waste management inefficiencies, indiscriminate littering, poor drainage systems, and inadequate funding for sanitation initiatives.

Major cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi frequently experience issues related to improper waste disposal, which contributes to environmental pollution and public health risks.