AMA directs closure of shops, markets for October 3 National Cleanup Day 

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has directed shops, markets and other commercial establishments in the metropolis to suspend operations from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, October 3, to participate in the National World Cleanup Day.

The exercise, which coincides with the October edition of the National Sanitation Day, will be led by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, under the theme, “National Sanitation Day: Local Actions Yielding National Impact.”

The AMA said the exercise forms part of the government’s Clean Up Ghana Agenda and is aimed at mobilising residents, traders, transport operators, businesses and other stakeholders to improve sanitation across the metropolis.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Assembly said activities would be coordinated across its three sub-metropolitan areas, with a focus on desilting drains, general cleaning and the removal and collection of refuse.

The focal areas are Rawlings Park and London Market in Ashiedu Keteke, Tuesday Market and Camara in Ablekuma South, and Circle Neoplan Station in Okaikoi South.

The AMA said Public Health Officers, popularly known as Sama-Sama, together with the AMA Sanitation Task Force, would be deployed to monitor compliance and enforce the sanitation directives.

It cautioned that persons who fail to comply could face sanctions, including prosecution and penalties prescribed by law.

The Assembly also urged corporate institutions, religious bodies, community organisations, schools, youth groups and other stakeholders to actively participate in the exercise.

It stressed that keeping Accra clean requires the collective effort of all stakeholders and urged residents to support the October 3 exercise.