The maiden edition of the National Sanitation Day, after the Presidential relaunch, took off successfully across the country on Saturday, with hundreds of residents, traders, and shop owners actively participating in the citywide clean-up operation directed by the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly (KWMA).
The exercise, which began at 6am, saw an overwhelming turnout in markets, lorry stations, and communities as residents heeded the Assembly’s directive to close all shops and join the clean-up campaign with key areas such as Agbogbloshie, Nkawkaw Central Market, and principal streets, witnessing massive desilting of drains, sweeping, and clearing of heaps of refuse.
Speaking after the exercise, the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Tamimu Halidu described the event as “very successful” and commended the level of public participation.
“I can confidently say that this exercise has been very successful indeed, very successful,” he stated adding that “the level of participation was overwhelming, and for the first time in a long while, we have seen such enthusiasm and involvement from the people. By the grace of God, everything went smoothly, and the results have been encouraging.”
The MCE pointed out some logistical challenges encountered during the operation, including the shortage of waste containers, compactors, and bins in certain areas, stressing that the Assembly would work with the various stakeholders to provide more equipment and improve waste collection systems to sustain the gains made.
He said sanitation remained a key priority in urban Ghana, noting that while rural communities often demand schools and teachers’ quarters, Municipalities such as Nkawkaw require compactors, street sweepers, and waste infrastructure to keep the environment clean, especially around major hospitals and business districts.
On her part, the Divisional Police Commander for Nkawkaw, Chief Superintendent Sophia Eva Anim attended the exercise with her team, urging all to participate in the subsequent events, while acknowledging the reluctant behavior of some traders in taking part in the exercise. “Sanitation is part of our job, today I’m here with my team but what I have observed is that, some of the residents and traders do not partake in the exercise, they sell while we’re working”, she noted.
KLEMAV Sanitation Services, the new contractor in replacement of Zoom Lion called on all citizens to put their all in the exercise. He called for full participation and an intense effort to maintain gains made. The co-director for the company, Mr. Klenam added that his outfit is fully ready and well resourced for the exercise.
The Municipal Environmental Health Analyst for Kwahu West, Mr. Diamond Kwami Amedewornu warned that sanitation offenders will be served notice beginning monday to serve as a deterrent to others who have intentionally decided not to partake in the exercise.
