RCN joins the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day 2025: “Every Clean Hand is a Symbol of Care”
On October 15th, RCN Ghana joined the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Religious Affairs (MLGCRA), along with key partners from the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, to mark the 2025 Global Handwashing Day in Accra under the global theme “Be a Handwashing Hero.” The event underscored the critical importance of hand hygiene in disease prevention, public health, and national development, calling for collective action to make handwashing a daily habit across all sectors of society.
Global Handwashing Day, celebrated annually on October 15, serves as a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases and save lives. In Ghana, the commemoration aligns with national efforts to strengthen WASH services and promote hygiene behavior change as part of the broader public health strategy.
According to UNICEF and WHO, proper hand hygiene can reduce diarrheal diseases by up to 40% and respiratory infections by 23%, making it one of the simplest yet most powerful public health interventions.
Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for MLGCRA
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Ahmed Ibrahim, Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, emphasized the broader significance of handwashing, stating:
“Handwashing is not merely a health intervention — it is a development investment, a social equaliser, and a moral obligation.”
He added passionately,
“Every clean hand is a symbol of care, every wash is a shield against disease, and every handwashing hero is a builder of a healthy Ghana.”
The event brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, health institutions, and community leaders, all united in promoting the theme “Be a Handwashing Hero.” Demonstrations and community engagement activities highlighted practical steps individuals and institutions can take to maintain hygiene in schools, markets, workplaces, and households.
DP Lead Mr. Harold Esseku
The Development Partners (DPs) Lead Mr. Harold Esseku reiterated that sustainable hygiene practices are essential for national resilience, particularly in preventing outbreaks such as cholera and COVID-19. DPs will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure access to clean water, soap, and hygiene education, especially in underserved communities.
Stakeholders also acknowledged everyday heroes — including teachers, nurses, traders, and environmental health officers — who play a crucial role in promoting hygiene at the grassroots level. Their efforts were recognized as vital in driving behavioral change and ensuring that handwashing becomes a national norm rather than a periodic campaign.
The 2025 Global Handwashing Day commemoration served as a timely reminder that the fight against preventable diseases begins with simple, consistent actions. With renewed commitments from government and partners like IRC Ghana, the message was clear: the time to act is now. By mobilizing resources, scaling up interventions, and embedding handwashing into daily routines, Ghana moves closer to a future where clean hands represent not just hygiene, but health, dignity, and progress for all.