MP calls on Gov’t to increase 10 pesewas sanitation levy to 50 pesewas

The Sanitation and Water Resources Committee of Parliament has called on the government to increase the current 10-pesewa sanitation levy to 50 pesewas and dedicate the funds entirely to waste management efforts across the country.

According to the Nkwanta North Member of Parliament, John Oti Bless, the absence of a dedicated funding source is undermining efforts to manage Ghana’s growing waste crisis. Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) have struggled to hire waste management service providers following the cancellation of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA)–Zoomlion contract.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Mr. Bless emphasized the urgency of establishing a sustainable financial mechanism to address sanitation challenges nationwide.

“I want to propose that we increase it, at least. We can make it GH¢0.50. We then distribute this money, giving a percentage to the National Youth Employment Agency to support them in recruiting more people,” he said.

He further noted that the current allocations to districts are far from sufficient. In his constituency, for example, the amount set aside for sanitation is approximately GH¢200,000 per year, an amount he described as inadequate to tackle even basic waste management needs.

The Committee is of the full conviction that dedicating these funds to sanitation will equip service providers with the necessary resources to help curb waste challenges across the country.

With this proposal, Parliament hopes to create a reliable funding stream that will strengthen waste management systems and improve sanitation services across Ghana.