CLEAN-UP EXERCISE HELD AT AKPLABANYA
A clean-up exercise was conducted at Akplabanya on Tuesday, December 2nd 2025, as part of the district’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental sanitation and community responsibility. It is also in line with the National Sanitation Day initiative, instituted by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama.
The exercise, which took place between the early hours of 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., was led by the District Chief Executive (DCE) Hon. Modjifa Tanihu J.J. F Mills-Nkrumah and key officials of the Assembly, including the District Coordinating Director Mr. Gordon Walter Doe, the District Finance Officer Mr. Seth Okai Affum, the District Engineer Mr. Charles Kissi-Amakye among others.
Also present were Hon. Ocansey Holyfield, Assembly Member for Akplabanya Electoral Area, Hon. Peter Kwadjo Kwame, Assembly Member for Nakomkope Electoral Area and Hon Ernest Kugblenu, Assembly Member for Sege Electoral Area. Some Government Appointees such us Hon. Israel Habib Abayateye and Hon Simon Peter also came to support the exercise.
The enthusiastic staff of the Ada West District Assembly together with unit Committee Members participated in their numbers. Similarly, pupils from some of the public schools also joined in to clean up the environment.
The estimated number of participants ranged between 100 and 150 individuals. The District Environmental Health Officer Ms. Millicent O. McCarthy supervised the exercise and supplied participants with the necessary personal protective equipment such as gloves, nose masks, sanitizers among others.
The Assembly also made use of its earth moving machine (Back hoe) and articulated truck to collect and transport debris to final disposal sites.
-Participation and Challenges
Despite the presence of these high profiled government officials, community member’s participation was abysmal. Many residents of the community did not participate, despite prior announcements, engagements and sensitization efforts. This was a great disincentive towards the entire sanitation initiative.
The DCE boldly expressed his displeasure over the non-participatory attitude, exhibited by residents of the community and called for further engagement with the chief and elders of the community.
He commended the staff and all participants for their genuine and relentless efforts.
-Call for Improved Participation
The exercise highlighted the need for strengthened community engagement and education to foster improved participation in future clean-up activities.
Broad and consistent community cooperation is vital to achieving sustainable environmental cleanliness and improving sanitation standards in Ada West District.
The District Assembly acknowledged the dedication of all officials and participants who took part in the exercise and urges all residents to join forces in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
ISD/AWDA
2nd December 2025