The Upper East Regional Minister, Hon. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies across the region to develop and enforce sanitation by-laws aimed at ensuring active participation in the National Sanitation Day exercise.
Speaking during a meeting held on Wednesday at the Regional Coordinating Council, the Minister stressed that the proposed by-laws must include punitive measures for individuals who fail to take part in the monthly clean-up exercise.
According to Hon. Atanga, the absence of strict enforcement and sanctions has contributed significantly to the declining public interest in community sanitation activities. He noted that many residents no longer see sanitation as a civic duty because there are no consequences for neglecting their surroundings.
“The lack of punishment for those who refuse to participate in the clean-up exercise is weakening public commitment. People are unlikely to respect the initiative if there are no repercussions for non-compliance,” he stated.
The Regional Minister further expressed concern over the growing perception that National Sanitation Day is an exercise meant only for political appointees rather than a collective national responsibility. He observed that participation is often limited to areas where Municipal or District Chief Executives are physically present, while many communities record poor turnout.
To address the situation, Hon. Atanga called on key technical officers within the assemblies, including Coordinating Directors and Planning Officers, to actively participate alongside their executives during the exercise.
He emphasized that the involvement of professional and technical staff would help demonstrate that sanitation is a serious developmental and public health matter, and not merely a political activity.
As part of efforts to increase awareness and public participation, the Regional Coordinating Council is also producing radio jingles in various local dialects. The jingles are expected to be aired across radio stations in the region during the last week of every month to educate residents on the importance of sanitation and warn of possible sanctions for non-compliance.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Regional Coordinating Council to improve environmental cleanliness and promote responsible sanitation practices across the Upper East Region.
Source: BlueWaves Radio 93.7fm /Maurice Duncan/ Bolgatanga
