Editorial
Sustain national clean-up exercise
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The massive patronage of Ghanaians in last week’s National clean-up exercise following the recent flooding which submerged parts of the capital, destroyed property and recorded many deaths, is overwhelming and the enthusiasm needs to be sustained.
Majority of Ghanaians including President, John Dramani Mahama, Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Agbodza, and other prominent personalities, officials from both public and private institutions, local authorities, market women and individuals took part in the exercise. It was indeed leadership by example.
Even school children were not left out but joined other Ghanaians to demonstrate their patriotism during the two-day exercise, initiated by the President, by cleaning their surroundings, desilting choked gutters and clearing rubbish all in a bid to make the city clean to allow free flow of water in the event of a downpour.
The exercise also drew a number of sanitation workers, security services, community leaders and volunteers who cleaned the streets, market places, drains, beaches, and other public spaces
The turnout for the clean-up exercise was massive and the zeal with which members of the public engaged in the exercise needs commendation.
However, while there were standby trucks available in some places to pick up the trash and silt that had been cleaned from the drains right away, in other places the situation was different since the silt was left on the shoulders of the drains.
One can only speculate as to what would have occurred if there had been a subsequent downpour. Naturally, the silt and trash would have been washed back into the drains and work done would have been zero.
As much as we value the participants’ efforts The Spectator is concerned that the practice of not promptly clearing waste from the shoulders of gutters will worsen the sanitary issue because of the intolerable stench that comes from the rubbish and silt.
As a result, this problem needs to be resolved immediately. Additionally, we want the clean-up effort to continue at least once a month in order to maintain cleanliness throughout the country, not just in Accra.
In order to uphold the adage that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” we implore all citizens, both young and old, to take responsibility for environmental cleanliness to ensure a healthy Ghana.
Bravo to everyone who participated in the just-ended two-day clean-up exercise and showed their patriotism.
Dear Editor,
I am alarmed by the increasing rate of plastic waste in our communities.
Bottles, sachet water wrappers and food containers have become a common sight on our streets, markets and in our drainage system. This is gradually turning into an environmental and public health risk.
Improper disposal of plastic waste blocks the drains, causing flooding during rainy season and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
It also pollutes the rivers, lakes and sea, threatening aquatic life and affecting the livelihood of many people especially fishermen.
Although government agencies, environmental organisations and community groups have organised a clean-up exercises, the menace remains a major headache for bodies responsible in tackling the sanitation problems.
There is, therefore, an urgent need for strict enforcement of the sanitation laws, increased investment in recycling facilities and sustained public education on waste management.
Every citizen has a role to play by disposing off waste responsibly, reducing the use of single use plastics and participating in community clean-up exercise.
Protecting the environment is not just a responsibility for the government. It is one for every citizen and our collective actions today will determine the quality life for the future or the next generation.
As a concerned citizen, I hope this issue receive the immediate attention it deserves before plastic waste pollution causes even greater damage to our communities.
Desmond Aidoo,
Sowutuom
Dear Editor,
I am alarmed by the increasing rate of plastic waste in our communities.
Bottles, sachet water wrappers and food containers have become a common sight on our streets, markets and in our drainage system. This is gradually turning into an environmental and public health risk.
Improper disposal of plastic waste blocks the drains, causing flooding during rainy season and creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
It also pollutes the rivers, lakes and sea, threatening aquatic life and affecting the livelihood of many people especially fishermen.
Although government agencies, environmental organisations and community groups have organised a clean-up exercises, the menace remains a major headache for bodies responsible in tackling the sanitation problems.
There is, therefore, an urgent need for strict enforcement of the sanitation laws, increased investment in recycling facilities and sustained public education on waste management.
Every citizen has a role to play by disposing off waste responsibly, reducing the use of single use plastics and participating in community clean-up exercise.
Protecting the environment is not just a responsibility for the government. It is one for every citizen and our collective actions today will determine the quality life for the future or the next generation.
As a concerned citizen, I hope this issue receive the immediate attention it deserves before plastic waste pollution causes even greater damage to our communities.
Desmond Aidoo,
Sowutuom
