Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson has warned Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to strictly enforce sanitation and physical planning regulations, cautioning that poor enforcement could lead to disease outbreaks and worsening floods.
He said weak sanitation practices, indiscriminate construction and encroachment on wetlands posed serious threats to public health and sustainable development.
Mr Nelson gave the warning on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during a working visit to Ellembelle District to inspect development projects and assess government programmes.
Recalling Ghana’s 2024 cholera outbreak, he stressed the need for stronger environmental health enforcement and public education, particularly in markets and food vending areas.
“Sanitation is at the heart of our health. Any slip could land us in some situations that will be unpleasant,” he cautioned.
Although he acknowledged the Assembly’s efforts to provide waste containers, he said sanitation infrastructure must be backed by sustained public education and effective waste management.
The Minister also criticised the indiscriminate construction of buildings, particularly along major roads and on wetlands, blaming weak enforcement of physical planning regulations.
He warned that destroying wetlands and filling natural waterways could worsen flooding during heavy rainfall, while forcing government to spend additional resources correcting preventable development problems.
Mr Nelson disclosed that he had issued a circular directing MMDCEs to strengthen development control and prevent further encroachment on wetlands.
He warned that chief executives who failed to ensure their planning officers enforced the regulations would be held accountable.
“If they don’t do it, then you must take action, because I’m going to take action,” he warned.
The Regional Minister also challenged assembly officials to take greater responsibility for development in their respective districts, insisting that the task should not be left to the Regional Minister alone.
“It is not my sole responsibility as the Regional Minister to ensure that this region is developed. That is why you are here, and that is why government is spending on you every month. What are you giving in return?” he questioned.
He called on local authorities, traditional leaders and residents to work together to improve sanitation, protect wetlands and promote orderly development.
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