The Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) has officially launched its Sanitation Day initiative in line with the National Sanitation Day programme introduced by the central government. The maiden exercise was held on Friday, September 6, and saw massive participation from residents across the municipality.

Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Abdul-Majeed Iddrisu Nassam, toured several communities from Effiakuma to Kwesimintsim during the exercise and lauded the enthusiasm and commitment demonstrated by participants.

“I am very impressed with the dedication shown by all, from the youth to traders, students, transport operators, and assembly members. This is the kind of collective effort we need to make EKMA the cleanest municipality in the Western Region and, indeed, in Ghana,” he said.

Mr. Nassam speaking to Beach FM on the sidelines announced that the clean-up exercise will henceforth be observed on the first Saturday of every month, stressing that the Assembly would not hesitate to apply sanctions against offenders of its sanitation by-laws.EKMA’s Municipal Chief Executive, Abdul-Majeed Iddrisu Nassam

“There are Sanitation by-laws within the Assembly. It is really difficult to clean and then go back to filth… any resident who flouts the Assembly’s sanitation regulations will have to face the penalties prescribed by law. We will not compromise on this as we need to make sure we do what is right for us all,” he stressed.

As part of the exercise, the MCE also presented cleaning equipment, including brooms, shovels, hand gloves, and cash support to youth groups to enhance their work.

The exercise mobilized diverse groups such as students, market women, traders, youth associations, and transport operators, who desilted gutters, swept streets, cleaned markets, and tidied lorry terminals. The Assembly subsequently evacuated and disposed of the tonnes of refuse collected at no cost to residents.