A proposal to move Ghana’s National Sanitation Day from the first Saturday to the first Friday of every month is gaining attention as authorities seek to improve participation in the nationwide clean-up exercise.
The proposal follows what officials describe as a significantly higher turnout during the latest National Sanitation Day exercise held in Kumasi on Friday, July 10.
The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, believes changing the monthly exercise to Fridays could encourage greater participation from businesses, institutions and the general public.
Friday Turnout Inspires Proposal
Speaking after the clean-up exercise, the Mayor said Friday’s participation exceeded what is normally recorded during sanitation campaigns organised on Saturdays.
According to him, the fact that Friday is a regular working day makes it easier for organisations and companies to mobilise their staff to participate in the exercise.
He described the latest clean-up campaign as the most successful sanitation exercise he has supervised since assuming office.
Push for Greater Public Participation
Mr. Boadi said increasing participation is critical to achieving Ghana’s sanitation and environmental goals.
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He argued that stronger involvement from workplaces and institutions would help improve environmental cleanliness while reducing the risk of flooding caused by choked drains.
The Mayor expressed optimism that reviewing the current schedule could strengthen future nationwide sanitation campaigns.
Sanitation Enforcement Begins
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly has also begun enforcing sanitation regulations to ensure residents and businesses maintain clean surroundings.
Responding to concerns from traders about the shortage of cleaning tools, Mr. Boadi explained that the Assembly could not provide sanitation equipment for every trader or business.
Traders Welcome Exercise
Meanwhile, traders in Kumasi praised the ongoing national sanitation campaign, describing it as an important initiative to improve environmental cleanliness.
They, however, appealed to government and city authorities to make the clean-up exercise a regular activity rather than limiting it to occasional events.
According to the traders, sustained sanitation campaigns would help keep drains clear, minimise flooding and improve public health.
Cleaner Communities Through Collective Action
The traders also encouraged residents to comply with sanitation regulations and take personal responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.
They believe stronger public participation, combined with regular clean-up exercises and effective enforcement, will contribute to cleaner communities and a healthier environment across the country.
