Atwima Kwanwoma DCE Urges Residents To Prioritise Sanitation

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Kwanwoma, Grace Agyemang Asamoah, has called on residents across the district to make environmental cleanliness a collective responsibility and actively participate in sanitation exercises.

She made the appeal when she joined the Assembly Member and a section of residents of Ampabame I for a clean-up exercise ahead of the district’s 69th Independence Day celebration, which will be hosted in the community.

The National Sanitation Day, usually observed on the first Saturday of every month, was held on February 28, 2026, as part of preparations for the upcoming Independence Day event.

Addressing the media after the exercise, the DCE stressed that sanitation should not be treated as a one-day activity but must become a regular habit among residents.

“Sanitation is essential because it protects us from diseases and promotes good health. We must not wait for the first Saturday of every month before we clean our surroundings,” she said.

She indicated that upon arrival at the school field designated for the Independence Day celebration, the team observed plastic waste and other refuse scattered around the area, posing a health risk, particularly to schoolchildren. However, the area was left clean and ready for use after the exercise.

Mrs. Asamoah expressed disappointment over the low turnout of residents, revealing that despite prior notice by the Assembly Member, only a few community members participated while many others went about their normal activities.

She therefore urged residents to show greater commitment to future exercises, describing the National Sanitation Day as a national responsibility that requires collective effort.

The DCE explained that since assuming office, she has decentralised the sanitation exercise to ensure that all electoral areas observe it simultaneously. According to her, she provided Assembly Members with tools such as brooms, wheelbarrows, rakes and gloves to facilitate the exercise in their respective communities.

“When I took over, I realised that selecting only one community for the exercise left others behind. So we ensured that each electoral area has its own tools to organise the clean-up,” she stated, expressing optimism that participation would improve in subsequent exercises.

She commended the Assembly staff, participating residents and the media for their support and also called on residents to support the government of President John Dramani Mahama in sustaining the National Sanitation Day initiative.

The District Environmental Director, Ernest Boakye, noted that the reintroduction of the sanitation exercise has brought significant improvement in waste management within the district.

He explained that previously, Assembly Members had to rent cleaning tools at their own expense, which discouraged some from fully observing the exercise. However, under the leadership of Mrs. Asamoah, popularly known as “Obaatanpa,” each electoral area now has its own sanitation tools.

He further disclosed that communities including Ampabame I, Asaago, Akyeremade, Trede and Sabin Akrofuom, which previously struggled with indiscriminate dumping of refuse, have benefited from the provision of refuse containers. The Assembly ensures that the containers are regularly emptied, leading to a reduction in sanitation-related complaints and diseases.

The Assembly Member for Ampabame I, Rudolf Asuala, thanked the DCE, Assembly staff and journalists for supporting the exercise in his area.

He lauded the DCE for providing sanitation tools to Assembly Members, saying the intervention has reduced the financial burden previously associated with organising the exercise.

He appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders and residents to actively participate in future exercises, stressing that sanitation should not be politicised.

“Malaria and cholera do not know whether one belongs to NDC, NPP or CPP. Let us all participate as patriotic citizens because a clean environment benefits everyone,” he stated.