Ga Mantse urges clean Accra mindset on National Sanitation Day
Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has called on Ghanaians to adopt a renewed mindset towards cleanliness as the nation marked the maiden edition of the National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Saturday, 4 October, the Ga Mantse said “cleanliness is next to godliness”, stressing that the campaign aims to make the capital one of the cleanest cities in Africa.
He emphasised that the old habits of neglecting sanitation must end.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II further directed that all shops remain closed during the exercise to ensure maximum participation.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness, and today we are mounting a campaign of cleanliness to make Accra one of the cleanest cities in the sub-region and the whole of Africa. That begins with you and your mindset. We can’t continue to do things the same way and expect a different outcome,” he said.
Cleanliness in Accra faces challenges from poor solid waste management, particularly in low-income areas, and significant air pollution caused by transport, waste burning, and household energy use.
Despite these issues, active efforts are underway to improve sanitation through initiatives such as the Clean Accra Campaign, the GARID Project, and public education on responsible waste disposal.
Community groups like the Buz Stop Boys, alongside government agencies, are working to change attitudes, integrate informal waste collectors, and enforce stricter laws to foster a culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility.
The first Saturday of every month is earmarked as National Sanitation Day across Ghana. First declared on 1 November 2014 by the Government of Ghana in response to the cholera outbreak that year, the day is a voluntary clean-up exercise for all residents aimed at reducing unsanitary conditions that breed disease and cause injury.
The National Sanitation Day (NSD) is an initiative by the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development.
A bill has recently been sent to Parliament by the ministry. If approved, it will give legal backing to the NSD programme, allowing for the prosecution of individuals who refuse to take part.
