Accra: Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, expressed satisfaction with the recent city-wide sanitation exercise in Accra, describing it as a testament to the city’s renewed commitment to cleanliness.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ibrahim spoke at the inaugural National Sanitation Day clean-up event, marking the relaunch of the ‘Clean Up Ghana’ campaign. He noted the impressive participation, despite the extensive work required ahead. The gathering included the deputy minister, Ga Mantse, Accra Mayor, ministry directors, Korle Klottey Municipality’s Municipal Chief Executive, media, and other stakeholders supporting this national initiative.
The delegation, led by the Ga Mantse and the Minister, began their inspection at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, traversing through Tudu’s main streets, Agbogbloshie Market, Abossey Okai, and ending at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Mr. Ibrahim acknowledged the challenge posed by the accumulated filth due to the absence of regular clean-ups and urban sweepers, but lauded the day’s success.
The Minister highlighted key deficiencies in Accra’s sanitation management, such as the lack of tools like dustbins and compactors, which hinder waste collection. He committed to supporting Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies in acquiring compactors to improve sanitation management. He also proposed granting urban assemblies the flexibility to redirect funds from rural infrastructure to sanitation logistics.
Commending the Ga Mantse’s involvement, Mr. Ibrahim described it as a leadership and patriotic act. He also identified inadequate street lighting as a barrier to effective nighttime cleaning and shared plans for collaboration among various ministries to address this issue.
Mr. Ibrahim revealed progress in President Mahama’s vision for modern 24-hour economy markets, with land acquisition challenges in Accra being addressed through cooperation with traditional authorities. He announced plans for joint development projects for assemblies lacking adequate land.
The Minister emphasized ongoing sanitation improvements and urged continued diligence from the Accra Mayor and Korle Klottey MCE. His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, praised the collective clean-up efforts and stressed that a cleaner Accra begins with a mindset change. He shared plans for a comprehensive master plan to address urban challenges and highlighted concerns over single-use plastics, urging effective management strategies.