The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced the temporary closure of shops, markets and other non-essential businesses across the capital as part of a nationwide clean-up campaign following recent flooding.
The exercise, declared by President John Dramani Mahama, is taking place today, Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11 from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day.
In a statement issued on July 9, the AMA said the initiative forms part of a national effort to restore environmental sanitation after the floods, reduce the risk of future flooding and safeguard public health.
As part of the directive, all markets, shops, stalls, tabletop businesses, hawkers, commercial establishments, corporate organisations and other non-essential businesses within the Accra Metropolis are expected to suspend operations during the exercise.
However, institutions providing essential and emergency services have been exempted.
The Assembly explained that the clean-up will involve clearing refuse and flood debris, sweeping streets, brushing kerbs, desilting choked drains, fumigating affected areas and removing sand, weeds and waste from roads, markets, lorry parks, recreational grounds and communal refuse collection sites.
Specific locations earmarked for waste evacuation include Sanitation Improvement Package (SIP) sites in Ablekuma South, Agbogbloshie Lorry Park, Kaneshie Market and Pasico.
Street sweeping and kerb cleaning will be carried out at the Circle Enclave, High Street, Ring Road and Guggisberg Avenue, while refuse collection is scheduled along Ring Road West (Mortuary Road) and the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange enclave.
The Assembly also announced plans to desilt drains at Agbogbloshie Market, London Market, Chorkor Chemuenaa and Asafotase Nettey Road.
Fumigation exercises will be conducted at Agbogbloshie and Kaneshie markets, Avenor Township, Neoplan Station and nearby communities.
According to the AMA, Friday’s exercise will involve the Assembly, security services, educational institutions, private organisations, waste management companies and members of the public.
Saturday’s activities will focus on community participation, with residents, volunteer groups, community-based organisations and security agencies joining the exercise.
The Assembly has called on market leaders, transport unions, business associations, religious organisations and community leaders to encourage their members to take part and comply with the temporary closure directive.
It further warned that anyone who defies the directive by opening shops, trading during the exercise, obstructing sanitation officers, dumping refuse into drains or engaging in activities that undermine the clean-up will face sanctions under the law.
The AMA also reminded residents that the AMA Sanitation, Cleaning and Communal Labour Bye-laws, 2017 which require all able-bodied persons within the metropolis to participate in communal labour organised by the Assembly.
