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The Greater Accra Region has launched an initiative aimed at tackling critical sanitation challenges and promoting a cleaner environment ahead of the annual Homowo festival.
Dubbed the “Homowo Clean-Up Exercise and Asafoatse Sanitation Taskforce,” the project was officially inaugurated at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) under the theme “Unite to Clean.” The initiative is scheduled to run from July 2 to August 20, 2024.
Led by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) in collaboration with the Ga Traditional Council (GTC), and supported by several ministries including Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Sanitation and Water Resources, Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, and Zoomlion Ghana Limited, the initiative will commence from Ga Mashie in the Accra Metropolis to the Korle Klottey Municipal Assembly, among other assemblies in the region.
Key Points from the Launch
Call for Collective Action
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who inaugurated the 2024 Homowo Clean-Up Exercise, emphasized the importance of collective action and responsibility in combating environmental degradation across the Greater Accra Region. He mandated the closure of all shops and businesses in designated areas on the event day and urged leaders of various groups, associations, and residents to actively participate.
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Adherence to Sanitation Bye-Laws
The King stressed the need for strict adherence to sanitation bye-laws and urged for their stringent enforcement without external interference. He also appealed to corporate bodies to adopt eco-friendly policies and collaborate with the Advertising Association of Ghana (AAG) to declutter billboards and enhance the city’s aesthetics.
Waste Generation and Management
Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, highlighted that the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area generates about four thousand metric tonnes of municipal waste daily, underscoring the need for robust measures to support President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s vision of making Accra the cleanest city in Africa. She expressed confidence that the initiative would renew commitments to proper sanitation practices and assured sustained efforts beyond the Homowo Festival.
Resource Mobilization
Greater Accra Regional Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, outlined the resources mobilized for the initiative, including 30 compaction trucks, over 30 motorized cycles (Borla Taxis), and various cleaning equipment. He announced the deployment of approximately 1,500 security personnel and a dedicated task force comprising Asafoatsemei, Environmental Health Officers, and community members to enforce sanitation regulations and uphold cleanliness standards.
Government Commitment
Hon. Lydia Seyram Alhassan, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making Accra Africa’s cleanest city. She highlighted the establishment of a sanitation committee to oversee activities, engage communities, and promote sustainable practices in municipalities.
Community Engagement
The launch was attended by Traditional Authorities, Policymakers, Members of Parliament (MPs), Civil Servants, Sanitation Ambassadors, and Religious Leaders. The collective effort aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents and stakeholders to maintain cleanliness and environmental hygiene.
“Let us roll up our sleeves, equip ourselves, and pledge to make a lasting impact. Together, we can achieve our vision of making Accra one of the cleanest cities in Africa,” the Regional Minister concluded.
