Freda Prempeh, the Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, has urged district assemblies to take legal action against residents who violate environmental sanitation by-laws to set an example for others.
She emphasized that unless the assemblies take decisive measures against those who flout their by-laws, it would be challenging to safeguard the public against preventable diseases.
Dr. Prempeh made these remarks during a visit to the Korley Klottey Municipality as part of the National Cleanup Exercise, which coincided with World Cleanup Day.
The exercise, under the theme “Cleaning for Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Ghana,” involved participation from various groups, including drivers, market women, and traders.
The Minister stressed the importance of community leaders, churches, market women, and assembly members encouraging residents to prioritize environmental sanitation in their areas. She also called for increased communal spirit to complement the government’s efforts in solid waste management and maintain a clean Accra.
Dr. Prempeh expressed concern over the lack of communal spirit among Ghanaians, which hinders development.
During her visit, she toured flood-prone areas in the Ablekuma West district and observed challenges such as illegal construction on waterways and unauthorized waste dumping, which pose health risks to residents.
She identified tricycle waste collectors as a major contributor to these problems and urged assemblies to take action against them. Additionally, she called for an end to the practice of burning refuse at night in these areas.
Samuel Tete, the Ablekuma West Municipal Environmental Health Officer, who accompanied the Minister on the tour, urged residents to change their attitudes and adhere to government sanitation policies.
He revealed plans to clear piled-up refuse dumps in certain areas and transform them into recreational centers or markets for the community’s benefit.
Mr. Tete emphasized the importance of residents refraining from littering the streets with refuse to maintain cleanliness and health in the area.
