The La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly (LaNMMA) has announced plans to institutionalize periodic clean-up exercises to sustain the nationwide sanitation campaign initiated by President John Dramani Mahama to combat flooding and improve environmental cleanliness.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Alhaji Ibrahim Fuseini Faila, said the Assembly is committed to making regular community clean-up exercises a permanent feature rather than a one-off response to the President’s two-day National Clean-Up Exercise.
Speaking during the exercise on Saturday, Hon. Faila explained that President Mahama’s directive was aimed at desilting choked drains to ensure the free flow of water and reduce flooding, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.
“The President directed a two-day National Clean-Up Exercise to clear choked gutters and ensure the free flow of water to mitigate flooding in several areas, especially within Accra. The directive has complemented the sanitation efforts we have already been undertaking and has encouraged more members of the community to actively participate,” he said.
According to the MCE, the exercise attracted a massive turnout, with thousands of residents, particularly young people, volunteering to clean their communities.
“Today, you can see thousands of young people participating in the exercise in Madina Market, Zongo, Adenta, Teiman, Oyarifa, and Danfa. Almost everyone is out showing love and support for the community,” he noted.
He stressed that the Assembly intends to sustain the momentum generated by the national exercise through regular sanitation campaigns.
“We are not doing this only because of the President’s directive. Sustainability is where the real challenge lies, and we are determined to continue these clean-up exercises so that Madina will become one of the cleanest and safest places to live,” Hon. Faila stated.
The MCE also disclosed that the Assembly had begun enforcing sanitation regulations before the official commencement of the exercise at 7:30 a.m., targeting traders who ignored directives prohibiting trading during the clean-up operation.
According to him, seven traders were initially arrested and issued spot fines, while two additional traders were later apprehended inside the Madina Market, bringing the total number of arrests to nine.
He warned that anyone who fails to pay the prescribed fines would be prosecuted before the court on Monday.
“We have taken these actions because this exercise is not about me or any individual. It is about preventing floods, protecting our environment, and ensuring the safety of our communities. We all have a responsibility to support this initiative,” he emphasized.
The nationwide clean-up exercise forms part of the government’s broader strategy to improve environmental sanitation, reduce flood risks caused by choked drains, and encourage citizens to take greater responsibility for keeping their communities clean throughout the year.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Taachaa Elvis
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