The National Sanitation Day" was officially launched in Gomoa Nyanyano in the Gomoa East District under the theme: “' Operation Clean Your Doorstep.” This initiative, promised prior to the 2024 elections, is now being implemented by the administration of H.E. John Dramani Mahama.
Objectives of the Program is to educate and encourage Ghanaians to keep their communities clean and free from filth that breeds diseases such as cholera and malaria.
To restore public discipline in environmental hygiene.
To promote active citizen participation in communal labour and also to beautify communities.
The program was led by the Gomoa East District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Margaret Naana Ackom, together with the Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Hon. Desmond De-Graft Paitoo.
Key Personalities in Attendance Included Former Gomoa East District Chief Executive, Hon. Jehu-Appiah, Gomoa East NDC Constituency Chairman, Dr. Kofi Anthony Effisah, Various Assembly Members, Heads of Faith-Based Organizations and Traditional Rulers (Nananom)
The welcome address was delivered by the Upper Nyanyano Assembly Member, Hon. Isaac Quansah.
Sanitation Taskforce Swearing-In
A newly formed *District Sanitation Taskforce—also referred to as Sanitation Officers—was officially sworn in by Hon. Margaret Naana Ackom. She administered both the Oath of Office and the Oath of Secrecy.
In her remarks, the DCE admonished the officers to uphold the ethics of their office, work with commitment, and never misuse their authority. She reminded them that any officer who acts outside their mandate will face the full rigour of the law.
She further emphasized that this initiative is part of President Mahama’s broader "RESET AGENDA", stating:
“President Mahama is RESETTING the country at the national level, and the Member of Parliament and I are also RESETTING the district at the local level.”
As the President’s representative, Hon. Margaret Naana Ackom assured the general public that the National Sanitation Day will not be a “nine-day wonder” but will be observed every first Saturday of each month. She also charged assembly members, both elected and appointed, to lead the exercise in their respective electoral areas, warning that any member who fails to do so will be held accountable.
In his brief remarks, Hon. Desmond De-Graft Paitoo urged everyone to participate fully in the program on designated days. He further advised the public to dispose of refuse properly and cautioned the sanitation officers against using their uniforms and positions to intimidate or harass people. Instead, he encouraged them to work with humility, dedication, and seriousness, as their success depends on public cooperation.
The traditional rulers expressed gratitude to the government for selecting Nyanyano as the venue for the launch, out of many towns and communities in the district. They also applauded both the DCE and the MP for their efforts in serving the district and appealed for the provision of more dustbins across the town to encourage proper waste disposal.
The launch was successful, with traditional rulers and community members expressing appreciation to the government for the initiative.
Story by
Kofi Michael Omoanoh
NDC Communications Officer, Gomoa East.