Government Announces Nationwide Clean-Up Ahead of Christmas
By Joyce Akosua Ayine
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has announced a nationwide clean-up exercise scheduled to run for one week, from Saturday, December 13 to Friday, December 20, as part of efforts to improve sanitation ahead of the Christmas festivities.
The Minister issued a strong warning to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), stating that inspections will be carried out across the country without prior notice to ensure full compliance and active leadership at the local level.
Mr. Ibrahim made the announcement during an unannounced inspection tour of several communities in Accra, including Ayawaso West Wuogon, La Nkwatanang, Madina and Adentan. He was accompanied by his deputy, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, along with other government officials.
According to the Minister, the clean-up exercise is aimed at presenting a cleaner, healthier and more welcoming Ghana during the festive season, particularly for visitors arriving from abroad. He indicated that sanitation workers, street sweepers, borla taxis and waste collection trucks will be fully deployed nationwide throughout the exercise.
Mr. Ibrahim stressed that MMDCEs are expected to show leadership by ensuring effective coordination and supervision of sanitation activities in their respective jurisdictions. He noted that the President appointed them to serve and deliver results, not merely to administer funds.
“Leadership is about service and accountability. The time for pretence is over. We will intensify supervision and ensure that everyone performs their duty,” he stated.
The Minister also disclosed plans to collaborate with the Ministries of Interior, Transport and Health to strengthen enforcement and logistics during the seven-day campaign. He said the multi-sectoral approach would help sustain cleanliness beyond the festive period.
For her part, the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, emphasised that environmental cleanliness plays a critical role in tourism promotion. She noted that a clean Ghana leaves a lasting positive impression on visitors and enhances the country’s image on the global stage.
The nationwide clean-up forms part of broader efforts by government to improve sanitation and public health across the country.
