An initiative aimed at tackling critical sanitation challenges in the Greater Accra Region and promoting a cleaner environment ahead of the annual Homowo festival has been launched.
Dubbed the “Homowo Clean-Up Exercise and Asafoatse Sanitation Taskforce,” the initiative was officially launched at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) under the theme “Unite to Clean.” It is scheduled to run from July 2 to August 20, 2024.
Led by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) in collaboration with the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and supported by several ministries including Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Sanitation and Water Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the initiative will kick off from Ga Mashie in the Accra Metropolis to the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, among other assemblies in the region.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who inaugurated the 2024 Homowo Clean-Up Exercise, called for collective action and responsibility to combat environmental degradation across the Greater Accra Region. He emphasized the closure of all shops and businesses in designated areas on the event day and urged leaders of various groups, associations, and residents to actively participate.
The King stressed strict adherence to sanitation bye-laws and urged stringent enforcement without external interference. He also appealed to corporate bodies to adopt eco-friendly policies and collaborate with the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) to declutter billboards and enhance the city’s aesthetics.
Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, highlighted that the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area generates about four thousand metric tonnes of municipal waste daily, underscoring the need for robust measures to support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would renew commitments to proper sanitation practices and assured sustained efforts beyond the Homowo Festival.
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, outlined the resources mobilized, including 30 compaction trucks, over 30 motorized cycles (Borla Taxis), and various cleaning equipment. He announced the deployment of approximately 1,500 security personnel and a dedicated task force comprising Asafoatsemei, Environmental Health Officers, and community members to enforce sanitation regulations and uphold cleanliness standards.
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Accra Africa’s cleanest city. She highlighted the establishment of a sanitation committee to oversee activities, engage communities, and promote sustainable practices in municipalities.
The gathering was attended by Traditional Authorities, Policymakers, Members of Parliament (MPs), Civil Servants, Sanitation Ambassadors, and Religious Leaders, among others.
“Let us roll up our sleeves, equip ourselves, and pledge to make a lasting impact, together, we can achieve our vision of making Accra one of the cleanest cities in Africa,” he said.