The La Nkwantanang Municipal Assembly (LaNMA) has urged residents and business operators to actively participate in its upcoming Sanitation Day clean-up exercise on, Friday, February 28, to rid the Municipality of filth and improve public health.
As part of the initiative, all shops, markets, and businesses within the municipality will be closed for the duration of the exercise to ensure full compliance and participation. The exercise will be held from 0600 hours to 1200 hours, a statement signed by Ms Abena Kwesiwa Kyei, Municipal Coordinating Director, on behalf of the MCE, LaNMA, said.
The statement explained: “The Management of La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) wishes to inform the general public and its residents that the Municipality has been selected to host the maiden Regional Sanitation Day. “The day will be marked with a clean-up exercise at Madina Zongo Junction and its environs on Friday, 28th February 2025.
“This initiative is part of efforts by the Hon. Greater Accra Regional Minister to promote environmental cleanliness, improve public health, and foster community participation in waste management, which aligns with His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda for the reintroduction of the National Sanitation Day.” It emphasised the importance of community involvement in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, warning that poor sanitation remained a major threat to public health and safety.
Key activities for the exercise, include desilting choked gutters, sweeping streets and open spaces, and properly disposing of refuse. It will cover the markets, lorry stations, Zongo Junction, Ritz Junction and other surrounding areas. The exercise will be carried out in collaboration with traditional leaders, market associations, youth groups, religious groups and other stakeholders.
Residents and businesses have been advised to take personal responsibility for their surroundings and clean those areas during the exercise. They should continually ensure proper waste disposal and refrain from indiscriminate dumping. Poor sanitation has been linked to several health and environmental challenges, including the spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and typhoid fever.
Clogged drains and uncollected waste also contribute to severe flooding, particularly, during the rainy season, exacerbating property damage and displacing residents. LaNMA, which oversees communities such as Madina, and its surrounding areas, has been working to improve sanitation through clean-up campaigns, enforcement of sanitation by-laws, and public education. However, officials say sustained community involvement is necessary to achieve lasting results.
“We must all take responsibility for our environment. A cleaner municipality means a healthier and more productive society,” said the statement. La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipality, located in the Greater Accra Region, serves as a major commercial and residential hub. The area is known for its vibrant markets, educational institutions, and diverse population. However, rapid urbanisation has led to increased waste generation, making effective sanitation management crucial for sustainable development.
According to 2021 Population and Housing Census, it’s population stands at 244,676 with 120,846 males and 123,830 females. The Assembly has assured residents of its commitment to providing the necessary resources for effective waste management and called on all individuals and businesses to contribute towards making La Nkwantanang a cleaner and safer place for all.
Source: GNA
