Atwima Mponua DCE Urges Residents To Embrace Monthly Sanitation Exercise
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Atwima Mponua, Mr. Issahaq Ibrahim, has called on residents of the distr ict to fully embrace the reintroduction of the monthly national sanitation exercise as directed by the President of the Republic, H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking to residents of Nyinahin after leading last Friday’s exercise, Mr. Ibrahim emphasized that poor sanitation remains one of the major causes of disease outbreaks, which in severe cases can lead to death. He noted that communal participation in the exercise was not just a civic duty but a matter of life and death.
“In our daily lives we generate a lot of filth, and we must ensure that we get rid of it to prevent ourselves from getting sick. Filth kills, it brings sickness, and if we don’t clean our environment, it will end us in the grave,” he warned.
The DCE expressed worry that many shop owners and petty traders along the main roads often refuse to take part in the exercise, preferring to remain indoors while a few people clean. He further revealed that most of these traders operate without proper permits and yet disrespect authorities whenever sanitation enforcement exercises are carried out.
According to him, this attitude undermines the collective goal of keeping communities clean and healthy. He therefore cautioned that those who fail to comply with the new directive will face the full rigors of the law without fear or favor.
“Let me stress that it is not me who will force the law. The law itself will work, and when it does, nobody will be spared regardless of political affiliation,” Mr. Ibrahim declared.
The DCE also highlighted the government’s commitment to improving public health by ensuring a cleaner environment. He said sanitation is directly linked to national productivity, as frequent sicknesses caused by filth reduce manpower and increase household medical expenses.
He appealed to community leaders, market women, youth groups, and religious institutions to rally behind the initiative, stressing that collective responsibility is the only way to ensure sustainable results.
The reintroduction of the monthly sanitation day, which was first introduced under the late President John Evans Atta Mills but later abandoned, is expected to rekindle a nationwide culture of environmental cleanliness.
Mr. Ibrahim urged residents to view the initiative as an opportunity to protect themselves and their families, adding that clean communities would also attract investment and development.
“Keeping our surroundings clean is not just for government or assemblies. It is for us, our children, and our future. A clean environment means a healthy people, and a healthy people means a prosperous district,” he added.
The exercise in Nyinahin saw participation from assembly members, opinion leaders, youth groups, and some traders, though officials noted that turnout was still below expectation. Authorities say they will intensify community education while strictly enforcing sanitation by-laws in the coming months.
