Ada Foah: The Ada East District Environmental Health Department, working alongside Zoomlion Ghana Limited and assembly members, has spearheaded a cleanup initiative throughout the district to promote a cleaner environment.
According to Ghana News Agency, the cleanup exercise is part of the National Sanitation Day initiative introduced by President Mahama’s government, which aims to maintain cleanliness across the country to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Mr. Frank Opoku Abimah, the Ada East District Environmental Health Officer, emphasized that the exercise is held on the first Friday of every month to ensure the community remains safe and free from illnesses.
Mr. Abimah noted that while the cleanup was initially planned for Fridays, adjustments were made since Fridays are market days in the district, necessitating a change to allow for greater community participation. The exercise was conducted simultaneously in towns such as Kasseh, Big Ada, and Ada Foah, with Mr. Abimah expressing concern about declining sanitation practices in the district and urging residents to incorporate cleanliness into their daily routines.
He commended community members who voluntarily participated in the cleanups and encouraged others to follow their example. Mr. Ebenezer Tetteh Kpodo, Assembly Member for the Kasseh Electoral Area, recalled past efforts that involved the Navy to ensure resident participation, which were suspended following criticism. He voiced concern over the reluctance of some community members to engage in the exercise.
Community members who spoke with GNA expressed their willingness to participate in future cleanups, citing a recent cholera outbreak as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining clean surroundings. However, there were also concerns about poor hygiene practices among hawkers and food vendors, with calls for the district assembly and authorities to enforce by-laws to improve sanitation.