The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has scheduled its May edition of the National Sanitation Day exercise for Saturday, May 2, with a directive for the temporary suspension of all trading activities across the metropolis during the clean-up period.
The announcement, contained in a press release issued by the Assembly, forms part of sustained efforts to improve environmental sanitation, safeguard public health, and reduce flooding risks as the rainy season approaches. Authorities say the exercise is expected to mobilise residents, traders, and stakeholders to actively participate in maintaining cleanliness across the capital.
The National Sanitation Day initiative has become a central component of Accra’s urban management strategy, with city authorities emphasising the need for collective responsibility in tackling sanitation challenges and improving environmental conditions.
Trading Activities to be Suspended
According to the AMA, all forms of trading will be prohibited during the clean-up exercise to allow for full participation and ensure the effective execution of sanitation activities.
“No trading activity will be permitted during the clean-up period. ll shops, stalls, table-top businesses and hawking activities are expected to remain suspended until the exercise is completed.”
Statement from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly
The directive applies to all commercial operators across the metropolis, particularly within key commercial zones. The Assembly stressed that the temporary suspension is necessary to enable a coordinated and uninterrupted clean-up effort.
Officials also made it clear that enforcement will be strict, warning that individuals or businesses that fail to comply or attempt to obstruct the exercise will be sanctioned in accordance with relevant bye-laws.
Exercise Targets Key Locations
The clean-up exercise will focus on several major areas within the metropolis, including Agbogbloshie, the Central Business District (CBD), Guggisberg Avenue, Tuesday Market, Chorkor, Kaneshie, and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and surrounding communities.
Activities to be undertaken include sweeping of streets, clearing of road curbs, desilting and clearing of drains, removal of refuse from market areas, and general cleaning of public spaces such as streets, lanes, and drainage systems.The Assembly noted that these interventions are particularly critical at this time of the year, as Accra prepares for increased rainfall.
Choked drains and poor waste management have historically contributed to flooding in many parts of the city, making preventive sanitation efforts essential.“The exercise is particularly important as the rainy season approaches,” the statement emphasised, urging residents and traders to support efforts to keep drains, markets, and public spaces clean.
Enforcement and Community Participation
The AMA emphasised that enforcement will be a central component of the exercise, with Public Health Officers and other relevant authorities deployed to monitor compliance and ensure adherence to sanitation regulations.Individuals who fail to participate, obstruct the exercise, or engage in trading during the designated period will face sanctions in accordance with the Assembly’s bye-laws.
This approach reflects a broader push by city authorities to instil discipline and accountability in waste management practices.Assembly Members have also been tasked with leading clean-up activities in their respective electoral areas to ensure effective coordination and encourage grassroots participation.
Their involvement is expected to enhance community mobilisation and ensure that the exercise achieves its intended impact.The Assembly is also calling on a wide range of stakeholders, including residents, traders, transport operators, shop owners, hawkers, and food vendors, to actively participate in the exercise and contribute to maintaining a cleaner city.
Call for Sustained Sanitation Practices
Beyond the one-day exercise, the AMA has reiterated the importance of maintaining proper waste disposal practices at all times. Authorities note that sustained environmental cleanliness is essential not only for preventing disease outbreaks but also for preserving public spaces, reducing flooding, and improving the overall image of Accra as a national capital.
The Assembly highlighted the direct link between poor sanitation practices, such as indiscriminate waste disposal, and the recurring challenges of flooding and environmental degradation in the city. It therefore urged residents to adopt responsible behaviours, including proper waste segregation and disposal, to support long-term sanitation goals.
The National Sanitation Day initiative continues to serve as a platform for reinforcing civic responsibility and promoting a culture of cleanliness among residents. By combining enforcement with public education and community participation, the AMA aims to achieve lasting improvements in the city’s sanitation landscape.With the rainy season fast approaching, the success of the May 2 exercise is expected to play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and enhancing public health outcomes across the metropolis.
READ ALSO: Belarus Frees Andrzej Poczobut In US-brokered Prisoner Exchange
