Parliamentary Select Committee Tours Northern Region to Assess Water and Sanitation Challenges
Tamale, Sept. 23 — The Parliamentary Select Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources has embarked on a working tour of the Northern Region to assess the state of water infrastructure, sanitation management, and waste treatment systems in the area. The tour, which forms part of the Committee’s nationwide oversight mandate, focused on identifying operational challenges and proposing legislative and financial solutions to strengthen service delivery.
Led by the Committee Chair, the delegation visited key installations including the Tamale Water Treatment Plant, the Gbalahi landfill site in the Sagnarigu Municipality, and the Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant operated by the Jospong Group. Members of the Committee also engaged with the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and other local stakeholders to discuss the pressing issues facing urban and peri-urban communities in the region.
During a briefing session in Tamale, Metropolitan Chief Executive Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to addressing the growing sanitation crisis, describing it as a major concern exacerbated by population growth and inadequate infrastructure. He highlighted gaps in waste collection, public toilet maintenance, and access to potable water as key challenges that require urgent attention.
One of the most pressing concerns raised during the tour was the issue of unpaid debts to private sanitation service providers. Zoomlion Ghana Limited, one of the country’s largest waste management firms, is reportedly owed over GH¢1.2 billion for services rendered over the past two years. Members of the Committee acknowledged the critical role of the private sector in maintaining sanitation systems and revealed that government has earmarked GH¢13 billion in the national budget to begin clearing arrears owed to such contractors.
“The sanitation sector cannot thrive without a reliable funding mechanism,” a committee member stated. “We are calling for the establishment of a dedicated Sanitation Fund that guarantees timely payment to service providers, separate from the central government’s delayed disbursement cycles.”
In addition to financial constraints, the Committee cited logistical and operational inefficiencies as persistent barriers to effective sanitation. These include the limited capacity of treatment plants, inadequate waste disposal infrastructure, and challenges in transporting refuse from underserved communities. Staffing shortages and rising operational costs—such as fuel and spare parts—have further compounded these difficulties.
The Committee also expressed concern over the lack of enforcement of sanitation by-laws at the municipal and district levels. Several assemblies were said to have outdated or non-gazetted regulations, limiting their ability to prosecute environmental offences or enforce fines. Members urged local governments to review and update existing laws, while also investing in public education to promote better waste disposal practices.
Despite the challenges, the delegation commended the efforts of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly and the Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly, as well as private sector actors like the Jospong Group, for their ongoing contributions to waste management and recycling. The Committee emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between public institutions, private companies, and local communities to build a more resilient and hygienic environment.
The tour is expected to inform future parliamentary debate and policy recommendations aimed at improving Ghana’s sanitation and water management systems. According to the Committee, improving the sector is not only essential for public health, but also for environmental protection, economic development, and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to clean water and sanitation.
The Committee concluded its Northern Region visit with a renewed call for the government to prioritize sanitation financing, strengthen monitoring systems, and empower local authorities to act decisively in ensuring clean, safe, and sustainable urban living.
