Minister for Local Government Mahama Ayariga declared on the Citi Breakfast Show that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) must step up their sanitation duties. He highlighted that the 261 assemblies have legal authority, funding and enforcement mechanisms to tackle waste challenges and should not wait for a separate sanitation authority.
Ayariga pointed out that MMDAs can employ sanitation workers, set property and sanitation rates and enforce bylaws. The assemblies receive funds through the District Assemblies Common Fund and internally generated revenue, he added.
"You are the authority. You are managing this geographical space. And yours is to make sure that it is clean," the minister said. He accused some assemblies of refusing to act because no one is pushing them, and pledged to pressure them to work.
While open to a future sanitation authority, Ayariga warned it should not become an excuse for MMDAs to shirk existing responsibilities. He urged the assemblies to use their current powers to address persistent sanitation problems.
