Kassena Nankana West holds monthly sanitation exercise

The Kassena Nankana West District Assembly has launched a monthly sanitation exercise dubbed: “Clean Kassena Nankana West” in response to the relaunch of the National Sanitation Day initiative by President John Dramani Mahama.

The maiden edition of the clean-up exercise took place in Paga, the district capital.

Residents, including youth groups, security personnel and other stakeholders came out in their numbers to sweep, collect refuse and desilt drains along major routes, the market square and other public places.

Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Kassena Nankana West, said the campaign was part of efforts to ensure cleanliness across the district and would be rotated in different communities.

“Even if you are cleaning weekly, that is not an issue. The important thing is to cultivate the habit of keeping our environment clean. Today’s exercise was well-participated, and we were able to cover a long stretch from the Assembly through the market and adjoining areas,” he stated.

The DCE said sustaining the exercise would require regular education and sensitisation at the community level.

He disclosed that the District Assembly had already approved sanitation by-laws, which would soon be gazetted to pave the way for the formation of a Sanitation Task Force to enforce compliance.

“When the task force comes into effect, households and businesses that fail to keep their surroundings clean will face the law. This will send a strong signal that sanitation is important to us,” he added.

Mr Wenawome Duriyem Aborah, the Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement, commended the Assembly for spearheading the initiative and urged residents, especially the youth, to take ownership of cleanliness in their communities.

“This exercise is very important, but it should not only be when the Assembly calls for it. Cleanliness must be a culture. If we cultivate it daily, we will not need a special day to remind us. A clean environment keeps us healthy and saves us from avoidable sicknesses,” he said.

Mr Aborah appealed to the Assembly to fast-track the establishment of the sanitation task force to help enforce the by-laws and ensure sustained environmental cleanliness.

He also expressed concern that while volunteers were busily cleaning, some residents remained unconcerned, watching on.

 “It is not right for others to clean your filth for you. Everyone must take responsibility,” he stressed.

The monthly “Clean Kassena Nankana West” exercise is expected to be extended to other communities across the district in the coming months.

Source: GNA