Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, urged Ghana’s faith communities to deepen collaboration with the state to confront the country’s sanitation and environmental woes. The call came after he joined the Christian Council of Ghana and a gathering of Christian leaders at the Baptist International Worship Centre for the launch of the Second Ecumenical Convention, themed “Focusing on Transform through Creation Care.”
The convention, a platform for inter‑denominational dialogue, highlighted the Church’s role in promoting peace, responsible citizenship, environmental stewardship and sustainable national development. Ayariga noted that faith organisations have long contributed to Ghana’s education, healthcare and broader social development, underscoring the need for a stronger partnership.
He stressed that building a cleaner and healthier Ghana is a shared responsibility that requires collective action. “Together, united in Christ and committed to caring for creation, we can transform our society,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to working with faith‑based organisations, traditional authorities, the private sector, civil society and other stakeholders to advance meaningful national development.
In a Facebook post, Ayariga called on the Church to play a proactive role in tackling environmental degradation and poor sanitation, which remain pressing concerns across the country. He highlighted the potential for faith groups to mobilise communities, raise awareness and support government initiatives aimed at improving waste management and public hygiene.
The minister’s remarks come amid growing calls for public‑private partnerships to address environmental challenges. He urged faith leaders to leverage their influence and resources to support national programmes that aim to reduce pollution, improve waste disposal and promote sustainable living practices.
While the government has launched several environmental policies, Ayariga believes that the moral authority and grassroots reach of churches can bridge gaps in implementation and compliance. He also encouraged collaboration with traditional authorities, who hold significant sway in rural areas where sanitation infrastructure is often lacking.
Moving forward, Ayariga plans to continue engaging with faith leaders to develop joint initiatives that align with national development goals. He also hinted at upcoming workshops and training sessions to equip churches with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute effectively to environmental stewardship.
