The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has initiated the Homowo Clean-up campaign and decreed that all shops cease operations on the scheduled day of the event.”We anticipate the closure of all shops and enterprises within the allocated vicinity on the day of the campaign.
Furthermore, we implore the leaders of various groups and associations to engage actively,”declared the Ga Mantse during the launching of the exercise at the premises of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) on Friday, June 21, 2024.The commencement of the cleanliness drive is slated for July 2.
The month-long initiative, under the banner of “Let’s Keep Accra Clean,”is designed to advocate for proper waste management practices, enhance environmental tidiness, and cultivate a sense of communal ownership and obligation towards environmental conservation.
The initiative, a joint effort between the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and various governmental bodies, is set to be implemented across all 25 local government jurisdictions within the Greater Accra Region. This undertaking will encompass the registration of households for organized waste disposal services, instruction on effective waste management practices, and the enforcement of by laws to ensure adherence to waste management protocols.
The Ga Mantse cautioned against the politicization of this endeavor, underlining the fact that environmental sanitation impacts all individuals irrespective of their political allegiances. He implored all residents to strictly comply with sanitation regulations, maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings, including their front yards, drains, and properties, and advocated for the revival of communal efforts and heightened public awareness campaigns on sanitation.
He also delivered a stern caution to those who defy the sanitation regulations, declaring that a specialized task force will be mobilized to arrest violators and ensure they are subjected to the full extent of the law.
“The Assemblies should also fulfill their duties by providing waste bins in strategic locations,”he encouraged.
He unveiled an intriguing development in the cleanliness campaign—sanitation competitions, revealing that schools, communities, markets, and bus terminals will compete for the top position, with prizes available for the most hygienic.
These prizes will inspire participants to exert additional effort, nurturing a culture of amicable rivalry and communal pride, he remarked.
In this regard, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II seized the opportunity to issue a call to action to corporate entities in the capital, urging them to adopt sustainable practices and environmentally conscious policies that prioritize environmental well-being.
In a display of support, collaborating governmental ministries pledged their resources and expertise to ensure the success of the initiative, showcasing their dedication to a more environmentally friendly Accra. The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, advocated for change, condemning the city’s enduring unsanitary conditions.
She stressed the importance of a clean environment for safety and security, commending the involvement of the Ga Mantse by stating, “His Majesty’s participation highlights the seriousness of this matter and the shared responsibility we must embrace to establish a cleaner, healthier Accra for all.”She promised that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would spare no effort in guaranteeing the cleanliness campaign’s triumph, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of a cleaner, greener, and healthier Accra.
Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation, and Rural Development (MLGDRD), Vincent Ekow Assafuah, lauded the Ga Mantse’s leadership, recognizing his invaluable contributions to Accra’s cleanliness.
He noted that the Homowo festival was not simply a celebration, but a profound reflection of our cultural heritage, deeply entrenched in the principles of cleanliness and community pride.
In a similar vain, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR), Lydia Seyram Alhassan, asserted that her ministry was fully equipped and prepared for the clean-up operation.She unveiled an array of resources, including 30 compaction trucks, over 30 tricycles, thousands of Wellington boots, 15,000 security personnel, a dedicated task force, and environmental health officers responsible for enforcing sanitation regulations.She encouraged every resident of Accra to unite and actively participate in ensuring the success of the campaign.
Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, the Greater Accra Regional Minister, praised his predecessor’s endeavors and expressed appreciation to the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) for reinvigorating the ‘Let’s Keep Accra Clean’ initiative.He emphasized that the operation would be carried out in stages, with the initial phase scheduled to commence on July 2 in the Accra metropolitan area.“We have assembled resources and established partnerships to guarantee the triumph of the clean-up operation,” he reassured.
