Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo speaking at the launch
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, has launched the Regional Sanitation Day, urging a united effort to keep the national capital clean and prevent disease outbreaks.
Speaking at the launch on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Madina Zongo Junction, Ocloo emphasized that the initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s reintroduction of National Sanitation Day, which seeks to tackle Ghana’s persistent sanitation challenges.
She commended market women for actively participating in the cleanup exercise and encouraged them to make cleanliness a daily routine.
The regional minister also called on roadside vendors to relocate into designated market areas for a more organized and hygienic trading environment.
Ocloo underscored the importance of proper hygiene in preventing diseases such as cholera and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
“Working in a filthy environment means we end up spending our hard-earned money on hospital bills instead of enjoying the fruits of our labor. To avoid this, I urge everyone to adopt the habit of regularly cleaning our surroundings,” she stated.
She clarified that Regional Sanitation Day is not a one-time event but a continuous initiative aimed at fostering a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for all.
The Minister acknowledged the contributions of key partners, including Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the community-based organization Bus Stop Boys, for their commitment to ensuring the program’s success.
As part of the launch, Zoomlion Ghana Limited deployed personnel and equipment such as compactors and skip trucks to clear drains and sweep streets.
The clean-up exercise, which commenced at 6:30 a.m., benefited several areas, including Madina, Pantang, Atomic Junction, Abotsui Street, and Davy Junction, among others.
The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Zoomlion Ghana Limited (ZGL), Sophia Kudjordji, reinforced the message that maintaining sanitation is a shared responsibility.
“Maintaining sanitation is not a one-person job but a collective effort,” she stated.
She urged the public to take ownership of their surroundings, stressing that communities should not rely on outsiders to keep their environments clean.
Additionally, Kudjordji called for stricter laws and penalties against indiscriminate littering, arguing that enforcement would serve as a deterrent and encourage better sanitation practices.
“If the government enforces stricter laws with sanctions against those who litter indiscriminately, it will create a lasting behavioral change,” she said.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sanitation initiatives and educating the public on adopting a culture of cleanliness.