The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has ordered the closure of all stores and markets on Saturday, December 2, 2017, for a clean-up exercise expected to be observed through the Assembly.
The AMA in a statement copied to citifmonline.com, said sanitary inspectors, popularly known as ‘saman saman’ will also be deployed on the day to visit households and inspect sanitary conditions as well as issue notices where necessary.
It said all commercial activities within the metropolis must also be closed between 6:00am and 10:00am on Saturday, when the clean-up exercise is held.
“The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), wishes to remind the general public that as part of the National Sanitation Campaign (NSC), the AMA will be organizing a clean-up exercise on Saturday 2nd December, 2017.”
“In pursuance of this, there will be a vigorous enforcement of the AMA (Environmental Sanitation Day), By-laws, 1995. Shops, Markets and other commercial activities must remain closed between the hours of 6:00am and 10:00am,” the AMA said.
The statement added that, “Sanitary Inspectors (Saman Saman), will be visiting households and entities to inspect their sanitation conditions and issue notices (summons) if necessary during this period.”
The AMA said that, it expects very limited vehicular movement during the period of the clean-up exercise, and expects all drivers to get involved by cleaning their respective lorry parks and bus terminals.
It said the clean-up exercise is part of the activities laid down to meet President Akufo-Addo’s aim of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa.
“These bye-laws further directs transport operators to “undertake a general cleaning of all lorry parks and bus stations” with minimum movement of vehicles except those of emergency and security services.
In respect of this, all Residents, Departments and Agencies, Corporate Organizations Markets, Drivers, Opinion Leaders, Traditional Authorities, Teachers, Students and Pupils, are enjoined to come out with their cleansing tools to clean their respective communities, places of work, homes and surroundings.”
“The AMA will appreciate if residents, traders and transport operators will seize this opportunity to clean their respective areas to assist the AMA achieve the President’s vision of “Making Accra the Cleanest City in Africa”.
Sanitation in Accra
Sanitation in Accra can best be described as one of the worst in the country, despite commitments and pledges to reverse the situation by city authorities.
Reports by Citi FM over the last 4 months revealed that some major roads within the capital were gradually being narrowed due to the regular dumping of refuse along the roads.
The government as part of plans to address the situation, launched the National Sanitation Campaign to undertake series of activities that will eventually make the capital, Accra, the cleanest city in Africa.
As part of the campaign, the President announced a National Sanitation Brigade to enforce sanitation laws nationwide. This brigade, to be made up Ghanaian youth, will police the adherence to the rules and regulations on sanitation in both state and private properties.
“Everyday is Sanitation Day. I recognize, however, that the government cannot do it alone. This is where I wish to call on all of us, especially our Chiefs and Queen Mothers, religious and opinion leaders, civil society organisations, private sector operators, to rise up to the challenge and help make a difference this time around,” President Akufo-Addo said at the launch of the event.