Accra came alive on Saturday morning as thousands of residents, traders, and shop owners poured into the streets to take part in the first National Sanitation Day since its Presidential relaunch.
By 6am, markets, lorry stations, and neighbourhoods across the city were buzzing with activity as the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) directed shops to close and citizens to join the clean-up.
From Agbogbloshie to Kaneshie Market, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, and Kwasiadwaso, drains were desilted, refuse cleared, and streets swept clean. The sight of both leaders and ordinary residents working side by side created a sense of unity and renewed civic duty rarely witnessed in the capital.
The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, hailed the turnout as “very successful,” praising the enthusiasm of participants. He acknowledged some challenges, such as a shortage of waste containers and compactors, but assured that the Ministry would collaborate with Assemblies to strengthen waste management systems.
“Sanitation is the biggest priority for our cities,” the Minister said. “While rural communities ask for schools and teachers’ quarters, Accra needs compactors, sweepers, and waste facilities to keep the city clean.” He also announced government’s plan to build modern 24-hour economy markets across all 261 districts to improve trading conditions and sanitation.
Traditional leadership also threw its weight behind the exercise. The Ga Mantse, Nii Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, joined by the Sempe Mantse and high priests of the Ga State, described the event as “a turning point for the city.” He pledged to work with the AMA and government to develop a Master Plan for the Central Business District to regulate trading and tackle plastic waste.
Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who led clean-up efforts in several communities, said the exercise was historic. “It has never happened before to see our leaders, traditional authorities, and residents all join hands like this,” he said. “This spirit must continue beyond today if we are to make Accra clean, green, and resilient.”
The Mayor thanked President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, for their leadership, and pledged stricter enforcement of sanitation bylaws. He said the exercise marked the beginning of a new era of civic responsibility in Accra.
Across the city, public health officers and task force members ensured compliance while Assembly members led local clean-up drives. Many residents expressed satisfaction at the sight of government officials, traditional leaders, and citizens working together.
Also present were Deputy Local Government Minister Rita Naa Odoley Sowah, MCEs from several municipalities, the President of NALAG Alfred Adjei, and senior officials of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council.
As brooms swept and refuse trucks rolled through the streets, Accra’s first National Sanitation Day after the relaunch carried with it more than just cleaner streets. For many, it was a symbol of shared responsibility and a reminder of what is possible when a city unites behind a common cause.
