The Clean-up exercise today has brought together residents, state institutions and local authorities in a nationwide effort to improve environmental sanitation and promote healthier communities. The exercise witnessed active participation from government officials, traditional leaders, security agencies and citizens who joined efforts to clear waste and improve public spaces.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Honourable Linda Ocloo, has urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to strictly enforce sanitation by laws after the two-day National Clean-up exercise. She stressed that political interference in applying sanctions against sanitation offenders would no longer be accepted as authorities seek to maintain discipline within communities.
Honourable Ocloo explained that the directive from the President required every resident and business owner to participate fully in the exercise. She indicated that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives had been instructed to deploy their task forces to ensure that shops and other commercial spaces complied with the sanitation measures.
“No one is above the law. This is a directive from His Excellency the President, and we expect everybody to comply.”
Honourable Linda Ocloo
According to the Greater Accra Regional Minister, individuals who refuse to follow the directive could face strict measures, including the removal of items from their shops and further sanctions. She noted that confiscated items could be redirected to institutions such as orphanages and other facilities that require support.
Furthermore, Honourable Ocloo argued that maintaining clean surroundings should not be viewed as the responsibility of assemblies alone. She explained that sanitation requires collective commitment from households, businesses, community groups and local authorities to achieve lasting results.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister observed that the decision to organise the National CleanUp exercise followed persistent sanitation challenges across the country. She encouraged citizens to change their attitude towards waste management by supporting local authorities during routine sanitation activities.
Meanwhile, Honourable Ocloo highlighted that existing sanitation by laws across districts provide the legal framework required to deal with offenders. She revealed that authorities often face pressure from individuals seeking leniency for offenders due to political affiliations, a situation she insisted would receive no consideration during enforcement.
“In fact, if we find someone culpable and there is a sanction for that person, we should make sure that we stick to it, irrespective of whoever comes to plead. There should be no mercy for anybody.”
Honourable Linda Ocloo
The Greater Accra Regional Minister further emphasised that the enforcement of sanitation regulations must apply equally to all residents regardless of their social or political connections. She urged assemblies to remain firm in implementing approved measures as part of efforts to create cleaner and healthier communities.
Cleanup Strategy Targets Waste Reduction and Flood Prevention
Honourable Linda Ocloo credited the success of the exercise to the cooperation of residents, institutions and community leaders who supported the sanitation campaign. She explained that extensive planning by the Regional Security Council and local authorities contributed to the smooth organisation of activities across various districts.
Honourable Ocloo revealed that monitoring teams were established through collaboration between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant institutions to supervise the exercise. She added that chief executive officers, market leaders and representatives from different sectors were included in the monitoring process to ensure effective coordination.
“We put a lot of measures in place, and today that is the result you are seeing. We planned ahead knowing very well that we were going to generate a lot of refuse.”
Honourable Linda Ocloo
Additionally, the Regional Minister noted that the involvement of key stakeholders strengthened the implementation of the cleanup programme. She mentioned that traditional authorities, market groups and other community representatives contributed to ensuring that sanitation activities progressed across the region.
The exercise also focused on addressing specific environmental challenges affecting communities within Greater Accra. Honourable Ocloo explained that authorities targeted the removal of debris, desilting of drains, clearing of choked gutters and trimming of overgrown areas to improve public spaces.
From her perspective, the sanitation campaign was also linked to efforts aimed at reducing the impact of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. She indicated that clearing drainage systems would help improve water flow and reduce the likelihood of severe flooding in vulnerable areas.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister further disclosed that businesses and institutions were included in the exercise, with several shops temporarily closed to allow owners and workers to participate. She said the cooperation of different groups remained important in achieving the target of creating a cleaner urban environment.
Moreover, Honourable Ocloo acknowledged the participation of the Vice President, traditional leaders and other officials who monitored activities during the exercise. She explained that their presence demonstrated the importance of collective action in addressing sanitation challenges across the region.
The Regional Minister urged residents to continue supporting sanitation initiatives beyond the national exercise to prevent a return to previous conditions. She reiterated that sustained public involvement and cooperation with local authorities would be essential in protecting communities and improving environmental standards.
