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Okumanini Baffour Asare Kyeahene II, Effutuakwamanhene, has organised a clean-up exercise in the Assin Fosu Municipality to clear the area of filth ahead of the celebration of Akwasidae.
The clean-up exercise brought together residents, community groups and local authorities to beautify public spaces and create a festive atmosphere for the traditional ceremony. Participants with brooms, shovels and trash bags worked tirelessly to clean streets, drains and public spaces.
Okumanini Asare, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the exercise, said it was to raise awareness about the dangers of cholera which had reared its ugly head in some regions. He noted that cholera was highly infectious and a potentially deadly disease and often caused by poor sanitation, contaminated food and water and inadequate waste management.
“We cannot rely solely on government interventions to keep our communities safe and as residents we must take ownership of our environment and work together to prevent the spread of diseases like cholera,” he noted. He said as the country grapple with the challenges of cholera, initiatives like clean-up exercises demonstrated the power of community-led action in preventing and controlling the disease. Going forward, he said, the first Saturday of every month would be devoted to cleaning the environment and would be led by Assemblymen in their various communities.
Mr Kwasi Aidoo, a resident, said he was delighted to be part of the clean-up exercise and appreciated the opportunity to also contribute his quota to beautifying the environment. Ms Akua Eshun, another resident, noted that the clean-up exercise was very important to help rid the area of filth and prevent communicable diseases. Effutuakwamanhene, presiding over the Akwasidae, said Akwasidae was a significant cultural event on the Akan calendar celebrated to honor their ancestors and the gods.
He noted that the ceremony was an opportunity for the community to unite, reflect on their heritage and seek blessings for the future. He called for peace and unity among the people, saying they should avoid petty squabbles among themselves. In attendance were Nanaanom, clergy, Mr Nurien Migyimah Shaibu, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency and others.
Source: GNA
