Kofi Bentil Calls for Long-Term Strategy to Address Ghana’s Sanitation Challenges
By Boakye Stephen, Kumasi, Ghana | Reporting for Ghanaian News Canada | July 11,2026
Vice President of IMANI Africa, Kofi Bentil, has urged government to move beyond periodic clean-up exercises and adopt comprehensive, long-term solutions to Ghana’s persistent sanitation challenges.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile programme, the legal practitioner argued that the country’s sanitation problems continue to worsen because authorities have failed to implement a sustainable strategy capable of addressing the underlying causes.
According to Mr Bentil, successive governments have often responded to flooding and waste management crises with temporary interventions instead of pursuing lasting reforms.
He also criticised aspects of the recent clean-up exercise in Accra, claiming he observed situations where some traders and members of the public appeared to be compelled to participate while carrying out their normal business activities.
Mr Bentil further expressed concern over reports suggesting that certain businesses, including a commercial bank, were affected during the exercise, saying sanitation enforcement should always respect lawful business operations.
He emphasised that his observations were intended as constructive contributions rather than political criticism, urging government officials to welcome public feedback as an important tool for improving policy implementation.
The IMANI Vice President also questioned operational aspects of the clean-up exercise, observing that silt and refuse removed from drainage channels were temporarily left on roadsides instead of being transported immediately to disposal sites, creating inconvenience for motorists and pedestrians.
He maintained that Ghana’s sanitation challenges require careful planning, effective policy implementation and sustained investment rather than emergency responses after disasters occur.
Commentary | Boakye Stephen
Public debate on sanitation policy remains essential in shaping effective environmental management. While nationwide clean-up campaigns can mobilise communities and restore affected areas, experts increasingly agree that sustainable progress will require stronger institutions, improved waste management systems, consistent enforcement of environmental laws and long-term urban planning.
