Accra: The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) is calling upon residents and business operators to actively engage in the upcoming Sanitation Day clean-up exercise scheduled for Friday, February 28. This initiative aims to eliminate waste and enhance public health within the Municipality.
According to Ghana News Agency, the exercise will necessitate the closure of all shops, markets, and businesses within the municipality to guarantee full compliance and participation. The clean-up will take place from 0600 hours to 1200 hours, as stated in a release signed by Ms. Abena Kwesiwa Kyei, Municipal Coordinating Director, on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of LaNMMA.
The statement clarifies that La Nkwantanang-Madina has been chosen to host the maiden Regional Sanitation Day. The clean-up will focus on Madina Zongo Junction and its surrounding areas, aligning with efforts by the Greater Accra Regional Minister to promote environmental cleanliness and improve public health. This initiative is also part of President John Dramani Mahama's Reset Agenda for reinstating the National Sanitation Day.
The municipality emphasizes the critical role of community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, highlighting that poor sanitation poses significant risks to public health and safety. Key activities during the exercise will include desilting choked gutters, sweeping streets and open spaces, and proper refuse disposal. The clean-up will cover markets, lorry stations, Zongo Junction, Ritz Junction, and adjacent areas.
The exercise will be conducted in collaboration with traditional leaders, market associations, youth groups, religious groups, and other stakeholders. Residents and businesses are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their environments, ensuring proper waste disposal and avoiding indiscriminate dumping.
Poor sanitation has been associated with various health and environmental challenges, such as the spread of diseases like cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever. Additionally, clogged drains and uncollected waste contribute to severe flooding, particularly during the rainy season, exacerbating property damage and displacing residents.
LaNMMA, which manages communities like Madina and its environs, has been actively working to improve sanitation through clean-up campaigns, enforcement of sanitation by-laws, and public education. However, officials assert that sustained community involvement is vital to achieve lasting results.
The statement from the Assembly underscores the importance of collective responsibility for environmental upkeep, noting that a cleaner municipality fosters a healthier and more productive society. La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, a significant commercial and residential hub in the Greater Accra Region, faces growing waste management challenges due to rapid urbanization.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the municipality's population is 244,676, comprising 120,846 males and 123,830 females. The Assembly reassures residents of its dedication to providing necessary resources for effective waste management and calls on everyone to contribute to making La Nkwantanang-Madina a cleaner and safer place for all.
