Some residents of Accra and Tema have called on the government and metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) to strictly enforce sanitation laws to sustain the gains of the National Clean-Up Exercise and improve environmental cleanliness in the two cities.
The residents, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said stronger enforcement of existing sanitation regulations would help curb indiscriminate waste disposal, prevent drains from becoming choked, and reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.
Residents Demand Enforcement of Sanitation Laws
Madam Barbara Appiah, a resident of Tema, told the GNA that political interference should not prevent the authorities from prosecuting sanitation offenders. She urged the government to ensure that sanitation laws were applied fairly to all persons, irrespective of their social or political affiliations. "We need the authorities to take action against those who litter our streets and pollute our environment," she said.
Mr. Joseph Kojo Boadi, another resident, called for stricter enforcement of frontage cleaning regulations and appealed to MMDAs to strengthen their environmental health units to monitor compliance with sanitation bye-laws. "Landlords and business owners who fail to maintain the surroundings of their premises should be sanctioned," he said.
Residents Propose Solutions to Sanitation Crisis
Mr. Agyeman Yaw Acheampong advocated the establishment of dedicated sanitation courts to facilitate the speedy prosecution of persistent environmental offenders. He said swift enforcement would serve as a deterrent and encourage greater public compliance with sanitation regulations. "We need to make sure that those who break the law face the consequences," he added.
Mrs. Oforiwaa Agbado suggested that markets and businesses should participate actively in national clean-up exercises. "This would not only raise awareness about the importance of cleanliness but also encourage the public to take responsibility for maintaining their surroundings," she said. Mr. Laryea Armah also called for the provision of adequate public waste bins and improved waste management services to complement enforcement measures.
Combining Enforcement with Improved Waste Management
The residents maintained that combining strict enforcement with improved waste management infrastructure would promote cleaner communities and contribute to reducing flood risks. "We need to address the root cause of the problem, which is the lack of proper waste disposal infrastructure," said Mrs. Agbado. "By providing adequate waste bins and improving waste management services, we can reduce the amount of litter on our streets and prevent drains from becoming choked."
The residents' call for action comes as the rainy season approaches, and the risk of flooding increases. The National Clean-Up Exercise, which was launched last year, aimed to promote cleanliness and environmental sustainability in Ghana. However, the exercise's success depends on the enforcement of sanitation laws and regulations. The residents' demands for stricter enforcement and improved waste management infrastructure are crucial steps towards achieving a cleaner and safer environment for all.
Source: Joy Online
