The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has urged Ghanaian banks to take up responsibility for maintaining and beautifying public streets through a new partnership plan. At a recent meeting with Heads of Banks, Ayariga proposed that financial institutions adopt selected streets, rename them to reflect the partnership, and commit to their upkeep.
The initiative aims to leverage the resources and reach of banks to improve public spaces, making communities cleaner and greener. “I believe that banks have the resources, the reach, and the responsibility to help keep our public spaces clean, green, and welcoming,” Ayariga said.
Rather than imposing the scheme, the Ministry intends to collaborate with the banking sector to develop a transparent and sustainable framework. Ayariga emphasised the voluntary nature of the plan, stating it would rely on partnership instead of compulsion.
The proposal involves renaming streets in a way that publicly recognises the collaboration between banks and society. Banks that adopt these streets would be responsible for maintenance, contributing to more attractive and welcoming urban environments.
Ayariga said the broader goal was to deepen cooperation between government, private sector, and citizens. He said the initiative would help build a society where all institutions and individuals recognise their role in national development.
The meeting with Heads of Banks was an effort to engage financial institutions actively in community enhancement beyond their traditional roles. The Ministry believes banks possess both the financial capacity and public presence to influence and improve local environments.
Details about which streets might be selected or which banks have agreed to participate have not been disclosed. The Ministry’s plan will evolve as discussions with the banking sector continue.
This call for banks to adopt and maintain public spaces comes amid growing concerns about urban cleanliness and community upkeep in Ghana’s cities. The Ministry’s approach, focusing on collaboration and voluntary partnership, seeks to mobilise private resources without formal mandates.
As the idea takes shape, it will test the willingness of Ghana’s banking sector to step into new territory that blends corporate social responsibility with visible, ongoing public engagement.
According to Joy Online.
