In response to the directive from the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewa Akweley Ocloo, the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) organized a large-scale sanitation exercise on February 28, 2025. The initiative, led by Municipal Coordinating Director (MCD) Mr. Daniel Nkrumah, aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and prevent the outbreak of cholera and other diseases.
Full Participation for a Cleaner Municipality
To ensure maximum engagement, Mr. Nkrumah ordered the temporary closure of all shops, directing residents, market women, and business owners to clean their surroundings and clear choked gutters ahead of the rainy season. Shops were allowed to reopen at 11:00 AM, while food vendors were permitted to operate to maintain meal availability. Although some shop owners initially resisted, authorities enforced compliance to maintain the initiative’s success.
A Collective Effort for Lasting Impact
To facilitate a thorough cleanup, LaDMA contracted 250 laborers to assist in desilting gutters and clearing drains. The exercise revealed heavily clogged gutters, some containing drinking water pipes—a severe health hazard that requires urgent attention.
Security agencies, including the military, police, ambulance service, prison service, and fire service, actively participated in the exercise. While some officers joined in the cleanup, others patrolled the municipality to maintain order and ensure compliance with sanitation directives.
Community Engagement and Youth Involvement
Demonstrating strong leadership, Mr. Nkrumah personally monitored the cleanup across the municipality, ensuring drains were properly desilted. Assembly staff, including the Deputy Director, actively contributed, reinforcing the commitment to sanitation. Schoolchildren also took part, cleaning the areas around their schools, fostering environmental responsibility from a young age.
Widespread Media Coverage and Future Commitments
The event attracted significant media attention, with coverage from television, radio, and online platforms, further amplifying the importance of sanitation. Mr. Nkrumah reaffirmed LaDMA’s commitment to tackling sanitation challenges, particularly the improper placement of drinking water pipes in gutters. Moving forward, the Assembly will implement stricter measures to ensure sustainable sanitation practices and a healthier environment for all.
The success of the Greater Accra Regional Sanitation Day in La Dade-Kotopon underscores the power of collective action in creating a cleaner, healthier community. LaDMA remains dedicated to maintaining high sanitation standards and working with stakeholders to safeguard public health.