Takoradi: Communities under the Takoradi Sub Metro Council of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) participated in a general clean-up exercise on Saturday as part of the National Sanitation Day. The initiative saw residents, shop owners, transport operators, and business operators coming together to promote a safer and cleaner environment.
According to Ghana News Agency, participants engaged in activities such as cleaning their frontages, sweeping streets, weeding bushy areas, and desilting choked gutters. These efforts aim to mitigate the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall.
During an inspection of the exercise, Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, expressed concerns about the poor sanitation conditions in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, identifying it as a primary factor contributing to flooding. He emphasized the need for residents to take responsibility for their surroundings and avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
Mr. Ibrahim urged city authorities to enforce sanitation bylaws rigorously to eliminate filth and ensure a healthy living environment. He stressed the importance of proactive measures to prevent flooding, suggesting that city officials must act decisively to manage the situation effectively.
Additionally, Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister, praised the residents' participation and encouraged broader involvement in future clean-up exercises. He highlighted the crucial role of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) in addressing sanitation and flooding issues in the area.