The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a directive for all shops, markets, and commercial establishments within its jurisdiction to suspend operations from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 3. This move is part of the National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise, which aims to improve environmental sanitation across Ghana. The exercise will also mark the 2026 World Cleanup Day commemoration, with the AMA hosting the national flagship event.
The National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise will focus on desilting drains, sweeping streets, collecting refuse, and cleaning public spaces and business surroundings across Accra. The AMA has urged residents, traders, transport operators, corporate institutions, and other stakeholders to participate in the exercise. A public notice issued by the AMA on September 30, signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, on behalf of the Metropolitan Chief Executive, emphasized the importance of the exercise.
The national event 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.” This theme aligns with the government’s Clean Up Ghana Agenda, which seeks to promote collective responsibility for improving environmental sanitation. The AMA will coordinate activities across its three sub-metropolitan areas, with selected markets and commercial centres serving as key locations for the exercise.
In Ashiedu Keteke, the clean-up will cover London Market and Rawlings Park, while activities in Ablekuma South will take place at Tuesday Market and Camara. In Okaikoi South, the exercise will focus on Circle Neoplan. According to the Assembly, activities at these locations will include desilting drains, general cleaning, and the removal and collection of refuse. The exercise aims to mobilize traders, residents, and other groups to help clear waste from public spaces and improve sanitation in busy commercial areas.
The AMA has directed businesses within its jurisdiction to use the six-hour suspension of operations to clean their surroundings and contribute to the wider exercise. Commercial establishments are expected to undertake activities such as clearing drains, sweeping streets, removing refuse, and ensuring that their premises are clean. The Assembly has warned that it will deploy sanitation officers across the metropolis to monitor participation and enforce compliance with its directives.
Public Health Officers, known as Sama-Sama, will work alongside the AMA Sanitation Task Force during the exercise. The Assembly has warned that those who fail to comply with the sanitation directives will face appropriate sanctions, including prosecution and penalties prescribed by law. This warning signals the Assembly’s intention to enforce the temporary closure directive and ensure that businesses and other stakeholders take part in the clean-up.
The AMA has urged traders and business operators to make the necessary arrangements ahead of Saturday’s exercise to avoid disruption and ensure compliance. Beyond traders and commercial operators, the Assembly has appealed to corporate institutions and non-governmental organizations to support the exercise and promote collective responsibility for improving environmental sanitation. The exercise is a crucial step towards achieving the government’s goal of a clean and healthy environment for all Ghanaians.
Key points
- The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has directed shops and markets to close from 6am to noon on October 3 for the National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise.
- The exercise aims to improve environmental sanitation across Ghana and will focus on desilting drains, sweeping streets, and collecting refuse.
- The AMA has warned that those who fail to comply with the sanitation directives will face sanctions, including prosecution and penalties.
