Accra: The Agona West Municipal Assembly has mandated the Department of Environmental Health and Sanitation to impose immediate fines on individuals violating environmental laws. This initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to use sanitation as a crucial performance indicator for the Municipal, Metropolitan, and District Assemblies.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mark Dzodzodze, the Agona West Municipal Environmental Health and Sanitation Officer, announced this measure following a comprehensive six-hour clean-up exercise at Agona Swedru. The exercise, which occurs monthly, saw participation from local chiefs, queenmothers, market leaders, security services, and drivers. Workers from the Mary King Supper market and staff from the Agona West Municipal Assembly also joined the effort, resulting in the desilting of gutters, sweeping of streets, and removal of overgrown weeds.
Mr. Dzodzodze emphasized the importance of apprehending and punishing individuals who indiscriminately dump waste, highlighting this as a deterrent to ensure a clean environment. He stressed that maintaining a clean environment is a collective responsibility, crucial for preventing diseases like malaria and cholera, which are prevalent in health facilities within the municipality, including Swedru Municipal government hospital.
The Environmental Officer mentioned that communication had been sent to various organizations, urging them to keep their surroundings clean to prevent disease outbreaks. He also warned shop owners against neglecting clean-up exercises but opening their shops afterwards, stating that such practices could lead to prosecution.
Mr. Dzodzodze praised the participation of various organizations, including the Swedruman Council of Chiefs, expressing optimism for greater involvement in future exercises. Additionally, Mr. Eric Gyamfi Odoom, the Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, participated in the exercise, despite mourning the recent loss of eight victims in a military helicopter crash.