Shops to close for Accra’s first National Sanitation Day

Accra is gearing up for its first official National Sanitation Day, and the city’s leadership is making sure everyone gets involved.

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that all shops and markets across the metropolis will remain closed on Saturday, 4th October 2025, starting from 6 am to allow for a massive clean-up exercise.

The directive follows the President’s launch of the initiative and is backed by the AMA’s Communal Labour Bye-Laws, which designate the first Saturday of every month for sanitation efforts.

The goal is to tackle the city’s waste problem, reduce flooding, and improve public health.

“This citywide exercise is being undertaken to reduce flooding, environmental health risks, and improve sanitation across the metropolis,” said Gilbert Nii Ankrah, Head of Public Affairs at AMA.

The Assembly revealed that elected members will lead clean-up activities in their respective electoral areas to ensure smooth coordination.

Major hotspots like Agbogbloshie, Tuesday Market, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Kwasiadwaso, and Kaneshie Market will see intensified efforts, including desilting drains and clearing refuse.

Residents, traders, and shop owners are being urged to comply with the temporary closure and take part in the clean-up. Public Health Officers will be deployed to monitor participation and enforce the directive.

AMA has made it clear that ignoring the order could lead to fines or jail time. Offenders may face up to six months in prison or a fine, with additional penalties for each day the offence continues.