In a bold move to promote environmental stewardship, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has announced the closure of all shops in Accra on July 2 for the Homowo Clean-Up exercise. This initiative, launched on June 21, 2024, at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), aims to unite the community in a comprehensive month-long campaign themed "Let’s Keep Accra Clean."
The clean-up exercise is a collaborative effort between the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and various government agencies, targeting all 25 local government authorities in the Greater Accra Region. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has called on all community leaders and business owners to participate fully, emphasizing that the campaign transcends political affiliations and focuses on the collective good.
Key activities will include household registration for organized waste collection, education on effective waste management practices, and strict enforcement of sanitation bylaws. Residents are urged to clean their frontages, gutters, and premises, with the introduction of communal labor and intensified public education on sanitation. A special task force will ensure compliance, ready to arrest and penalize offenders.
To motivate participation, the initiative will feature sanitation competitions among schools, communities, markets, and lorry stations, with awards for the cleanest. This friendly competition aims to foster community pride and engagement. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II also called on corporate institutions to adopt sustainable practices and support the campaign, with government ministries pledging resources and expertise.
Accra Mayor Elizabeth K.T. Sackey lauded the Ga Mantse's leadership, stressing the importance of a clean environment for safety and security. She assured that the AMA would spare no effort in ensuring the success of the clean-up exercise. Deputy Minister Vincent Ekow Assafuah and Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources Lydia Seyram Alhassan echoed these sentiments, highlighting the cultural significance of the Homowo festival in promoting cleanliness and community pride.
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources is well-prepared for the exercise, equipped with 30 compaction trucks, over 30 tricycles, thousands of Wellington boots, 15,000 security personnel, and a dedicated task force. Greater Accra Regional Minister Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover expressed gratitude to his predecessor and the Ga Traditional Council for reviving the ‘Keep Accra Clean’ campaign, confirming that the first phase will commence on July 2 in the Accra metropolitan area.
The success of this ambitious clean-up campaign depends on the active participation of all Accra residents. Together, we can transform our city into a cleaner, greener, and healthier place for everyone. Let’s join hands on July 2 and beyond to make Accra a shining example of environmental stewardship and community pride.