Ghana's government is proud of its decentralisation policy. It should not be. Many Ghanaians agree that ‘decentralisation’ was one of the key policies which gave meaning to the December 31, 1981 revolution.

However, the concept of citizens involvement through the contributions of the sub-district structures – Sub-Metropolitan District Councils, Urban/Zonal/Town Councils and Unit Committees is moot.

Prof. John Ayoade of the Department of Political Science – University of Ibadan, Nigeria, speaking at a seminar at the Institute of Local Government Studies, in Accra said, among other things, that “Decentralisation is the political paradox of common sense that is in short supply. It is the most desired product to anyone at the political receiving end but hardly appreciated by the person giving it”.

If this is a recognisable picture of our decentralisation in action, the omens are against it as a policy in the management of local systems – to change the narrative of open defecation, chocked drains ever-mounting solid waste etc.

Challenge

Our plight is a serious one. Climatic disasters have taken their toll, killing hundreds of our citizens, swallowing funds, destroying infrastructure and worsening our poverty.

However, there have been some positive developments. The government has set-up a Ministry of a cabinet status to deal with the issues of sanitation.

Paradoxically, sanitation management is a local activity of which responsibility rests with local authorities.

MMDAs Mandate

Functions assigned to MMDAs detailed in their establishment, L.Is which impinge on environmental sanitation account for over 70 per cent of all their functions which are mandatory.

To perform these functions, the MMDAs have the power to make bye-laws.

Formulation, validation, enforcement

• MMDAs have failed to formulate appropriate bye-laws to regulate sanitation management;

• Validation of the bye-laws are carried out without inputs from the communities;

• Enforcement of sanitation bye-laws in Ghana is a vexed issue;

• Almost all MMDAs are presently insolvent and only few are able to meet their obligations to their communities. Revenue from their own sources are insufficient to meet the expenditure to address the demands of rapidly expanding communities.

The MMDAs are largely unable to invest in new infrastructure, provide additional services or manage existing facilities adequately.

Policy Framework

The absence of a well-articulated and broadly-accepted policy for community participation in sanitation management is negatively affecting the management of environmental sanitation.

To overcome this challenge, recognition of the role of lower local government structures is critical. Our traditional authorities, the voluntary sector, indeed all citizens, must be involved in a structured manner in partnership with Unit Committees.

The age-old mantra of ‘No involvement, no commitment’ is relevant here. Draft bye-laws must have local content while the MMDAs must provide technical assistance.

Revenues of MMDAs belong to our communities. Provision of sanitation facilities must have priority attention in the budgets of MMDAs.

The discussion of budgets must cascade to the Unit Committee and Community levels.

Resolving challenge

It is customary for government at all levels, especially at the local level, to develop policies to address the issues of environmental sanitation.

It is also recognised that it is at the local level that the conditions can be provided for the creation of a harmonious community to which citizens belong and for which they feel responsible.

To resolve the challenge:

• Enhancement of MMDA’s capacity to legislate appropriately to manage environmental sanitation is critical;

• Sub-district political structures should be empowered to perform their statutory functions as these impinge on environmental sanitation;

• The establishment of ‘sanitation courts’ in the districts and the training of Environmental Health Officers to prosecute offenders may become imperative;

• Communities, through traditional authorities, the voluntary sector etc. should be involved in sanitation management;

• The setting up of ‘Sanitation Rate’ similar to ‘Special Rate’ with the necessary modification may help in financing operations.

I have had the privilege to see first-hand the operations of local authorities in many countries. I have spoken with mayors, councilors and officials of local authorities in Europe, the Americas and other parts of Africa and also at home in Ghana.

The single characteristic of a local authority is that it must respond to public need.

The writer is a Consultant in Local Government & a Former General Secretary, NALAG (1988 – 1995).
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Source: graphic.com.gh