President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to introduce a new curriculum on Courtesy and Responsible Citizenship in Ghanaian schools as part of efforts to nurture a generation of disciplined and civically responsible citizens. Speaking at the relaunch of National Sanitation Day, the President emphasized the need to instill values of cleanliness and responsibility in children from an early age, saying that education is the key to changing attitudes and improving the country’s sanitation culture.
Drawing inspiration from his recent visits to Japan and Singapore, he pointed out that their impressive sanitation practices are the result of a deep-seated sense of discipline and civic awareness developed over many years. He stressed that Ghana must begin this process with its younger population by incorporating a dedicated course into the national curriculum that focuses on values, environmental consciousness, and good citizenship.
President Mahama noted that while National Sanitation Day has been instrumental in raising awareness, it is equally important to equip children with lifelong habits that will translate into cleaner communities and a healthier nation. He called on the Ministry of Education to work closely with stakeholders to ensure that this new subject is introduced across all levels of basic and secondary education.
The President also used the platform to urge traditional leaders to play a greater role in enforcing sanitation laws at the community level. He proposed the creation of sanitation courts within traditional palaces to ensure swift justice for individuals who flout environmental regulations. According to him, chiefs have always been key leaders in promoting voluntarism and communal labour, and restoring some authority to them in matters of environmental management would help strengthen local enforcement.
He clarified that this initiative would complement the roles of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies, not replace them, stressing that sanitation is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation between citizens, local authorities, and traditional leadership.
The relaunch of National Sanitation Day was met with renewed commitment from government officials, community leaders, and environmental advocates, who praised the President’s vision. They pledged their support, expressing confidence that combining education, enforcement, and public awareness campaigns will go a long way in improving Ghana’s sanitation and instilling civic discipline among its citizens.
