The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has pledged to strictly enforce its sanitation by-laws against individuals and businesses that fail to comply with National Sanitation Day (NSD) directives, as part of efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and public health in Accra.
Speaking during the August National Sanitation Day exercise in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD), the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, urged traders, residents, and business owners to make sanitation a daily responsibility rather than limiting it to the monthly clean-up campaign.
The Mayor emphasized that maintaining a clean environment should become part of everyday life, encouraging residents to clean their homes, shops, and surroundings each morning before starting their daily activities. He noted that regular sanitation practices are essential for creating a healthier and safer city.
Hon. Allotey praised traders who temporarily closed their shops to participate in the clean-up exercise, saying their cooperation contributed significantly to the successful sanitation campaign across the Central Business District.
While the AMA prefers voluntary compliance through public education and cooperation, the Mayor warned that the Assembly would not hesitate to arrest and prosecute individuals who continuously violate sanitation regulations. He explained that offenders could face fines or be prosecuted before the Sanitation Court under the Assembly’s existing by-laws.
The Mayor also expressed concern over food vendors operating near open drains and other unsanitary locations without participating in clean-up activities. He cautioned that preparing and selling food in unhygienic environments increases the risk of foodborne diseases and poses a serious threat to public health.
He therefore urged all food vendors to actively participate in every National Sanitation Day exercise and ensure their business premises remain clean to protect consumers and maintain proper food hygiene standards.
To encourage participation, the Mayor announced that the collection and disposal of waste generated during the exercise would be provided free of charge. Residents and traders were advised to transport their refuse to designated collection points for prompt evacuation by sanitation teams.
Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey further appealed to corporate organizations and private sector institutions to support the Accra Metropolitan Assembly with logistics, equipment, and other resources to strengthen sanitation operations across the capital.
The Mayor also expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for championing the National Sanitation Day initiative and thanked sanitation workers, corporate partners, traders, and residents for supporting the campaign. He called on all Ghanaians to work together to keep Accra clean, healthy, environmentally safe, and attractive through consistent sanitation and responsible waste management practices.
Source: newsthemegh.com