he Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has issued a stern warning to traders and business owners, declaring that anyone who defies the government’s directive to close their shops during the upcoming two-day national clean-up exercise will face strict sanctions.
Speaking ahead of the nationwide sanitation campaign, the Minister emphasized that the clean-up is a national emergency aimed at addressing poor sanitation, preventing flooding, and reducing the outbreak of diseases.
“If you open your shop, you will be on fire,” the Minister warned, stressing that authorities would not tolerate any violations of the directive during the exercise.
According to the Minister, all markets, shops and commercial establishments in designated areas are expected to remain closed to allow traders and residents to fully participate in the nationwide clean-up.
He explained that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), in collaboration with the security services, would monitor compliance and ensure the exercise is conducted successfully.
The Minister said the clean-up campaign forms part of the government’s broader efforts to improve environmental sanitation following recent flooding in several parts of the country, which claimed lives and caused extensive damage to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
He noted that blocked drains, indiscriminate dumping of refuse and poor waste management continue to contribute significantly to flooding during the rainy season, making public participation in the exercise essential.
The government has therefore called on market women, transport operators, business owners, residents and community groups to actively support the initiative by cleaning their surroundings, desilting drains and properly disposing of waste.
The Minister also urged traditional leaders, religious organizations and civil society groups to mobilize their communities to ensure the exercise achieves its intended objective of creating cleaner and safer cities.
Environmental health experts have welcomed the initiative, saying sustained national clean-up campaigns, coupled with stricter enforcement of sanitation regulations, are necessary to address Ghana’s recurring sanitation and flood challenges.
The government has assured the public that further details, including the schedule and operational guidelines for the two-day exercise, will be communicated through the various Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
