The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has called on banks to take a more active role in maintaining and beautifying public spaces across the country.
Speaking at a meeting with heads of banks, Mr Ayariga said financial institutions have the resources, nationwide reach and corporate responsibility to contribute to cleaner, greener and more attractive communities.
He proposed a partnership in which selected public streets could be renamed to reflect the involvement of participating banks, with the institutions subsequently encouraged to adopt, maintain and beautify those streets.
“I believe that banks have the resources, the reach, and the responsibility to help keep our public spaces clean, green, and welcoming,” he said.
According to the Minister, the initiative would strengthen collaboration between government, the private sector and citizens while improving the appearance and environmental quality of communities.
Mr Ayariga stressed that the proposal would be based on partnership rather than compulsion. He said the Ministry would engage the banking sector to develop a transparent and sustainable framework for implementing the initiative.
He explained that the broader objective is to encourage institutions and individuals to recognise their responsibility towards national development and contribute directly to improving the communities in which they operate.
The Minister believes greater private-sector involvement in the maintenance of public spaces could complement government efforts to improve sanitation, urban aesthetics and the overall quality of life in communities across Ghana.
