Accra: The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with Fidelity Bank Ghana, has organised a clean-up exercise at the Ho Central Market to promote sanitation, combat plastic waste, and restore discipline.
According to Ghana News Agency, the exercise also marked the launch of the National Sanitation Day Clean-Up in the Ho Municipality by the Ho Municipal Assembly. It formed part of the NCCE and Fidelity Bank's joint '3Rs Project,' aimed at promoting the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastics.
Mr. Ken Kponor, Volta Regional Director of the NCCE, emphasized the importance of addressing plastic pollution and poor sanitation in communities. He highlighted issues such as open defecation, drug abuse, and other acts of indiscipline in the market area, stressing the importance of maintaining cleanliness to avoid health risks.
He urged the Assembly to reclaim unoccupied shops to restore order and emphasized the need for Ho to maintain its 'Oxygen City' reputation. He warned that poor waste management could damage the city's image, pollute water bodies, and threaten livelihoods, especially in the fishing industry.
Ms. Eunice Atsu, Direct Sales Executive of Fidelity Bank, Ho Branch, expressed the bank's commitment to supporting sanitation as a shared duty. She noted the worrying level of filth in the town and the potential impact of collaborative efforts with institutions like the NCCE.
Mr. David Sebuabe, Environmental Health Officer in charge of the market, acknowledged the ongoing sanitation challenges despite regular monthly clean-ups. He pointed out the misuse of unallocated shops as makeshift shelters and urged the Assembly to secure and reassign them to traders to address the issue.
The exercise concluded with calls for stronger enforcement, sustained community involvement, and partnerships to ensure the market and municipality remain clean, safe, and business-friendly.
