The Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council (RCC) has observed the November edition of the National Sanitation Day at the Kenyasi No.1 community in the Asutifi North District with a massive clean-up exercise aimed at promoting cleanliness and improving public health in the area.
The exercise, which took place on Saturday, 8th November 2025, brought together a wide range of participants, including youth groups, traders and market women, artisans, public servants and security services. Also in attendance were staff of the Ahafo Regional Co-ordinating Council, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Nananom, Newmont Africa and personnel from various security agencies — the Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Ambulance Service, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Prisons Service.
The initiative formed part of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the President of the Republic of Ghana’s, sanitation initiative, which seeks to foster civic responsibility, promote environmental cleanliness and ensure sustainable environmental sanitation practices across the country.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Ahafo Regional Minister, Hon. (Mrs.) Charity Gardiner, the Ag. Regional Co-ordinating Director of the Ahafo RCC, Mr. Joseph Frimpong Naayo, commended the strong collaboration between the RCC, the Assembly, NADMO, Nananom and security services. He said the exercise demonstrates the government’s commitment to promoting environmental discipline and community participation in governance.
Mr. Naayo noted that the Regional Co-ordinating Council remains committed to supporting districts and communities in maintaining cleanliness and public safety. He emphasized that the RCC would continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the President’s sanitation initiative becomes a sustainable regional practice. The Ahafo RCC recommended that similar collaborative clean-up exercises be held regularly across all districts to maintain environmental hygiene and prevent sanitation-related diseases. It also urged local assemblies, traditional authorities, and youth leaders to champion continuous education on cleanliness and environmental protection.
The Ahafo Regional NADMO Director, Mr. Gabriel Adu Bonsu, who also doubles as the Dean of Regional Directors, commended the people of Kenyasi No.1 for their impressive participation and community spirit. He emphasized that environmental cleanliness is a shared national duty, not solely a government responsibility.
Mr. Adu Bonsu cautioned that many disasters in the country are preventable if citizens adopt proper sanitation habits. He explained that poor waste management, littering, and blocked drainage systems are major causes of flooding and health-related emergencies. He therefore urged community members to make cleanliness a daily routine rather than an occasional activity, stressing that a clean environment is directly linked to good health, safety, and economic growth.
He also encouraged traditional authorities and assembly members to intensify public education on waste segregation and proper disposal methods.
On their part, Nananom expressed their appreciation to the Ahafo RCC and pledged their continued support for future sanitation and community development exercises. They also lauded the active involvement of the security services and other agencies in ensuring the success of the event.
To further support the initiative, the Member of Parliament for Asutifi North Constituency, Hon. Ebenezer Kwaku Addo, together with Newmont Africa, donated bottled water, soft drinks and a sum of money to motivate participants. The gesture was warmly received by the community members and the RCC, who expressed gratitude for the generosity and partnership.
The clean-up exercise covered major streets, drains, and market areas within Kenyasi township. Participants desilted gutters, swept public spaces, and properly disposed of waste materials to restore the community’s sanitation condition.
