A Public Health worker at the South Suntreso Government Hospital in the Ashanti Region, Mohammed Hamdiya, has made a passionate appeal to Ghanaians to actively participate in national sanitation day activities and community clean-up exercises to help promote a healthier and disease-free environment.
According to her, sanitation is not only the responsibility of government authorities or municipal assemblies, but a shared civic duty that requires the full involvement of every individual across the country.
She explained that mass participation in clean-up exercises will significantly contribute to keeping cities, towns and communities clean and green, while also reducing the spread of preventable diseases.
“Sanitation is a collective responsibility. When the public participates fully in clean-up exercises, it becomes easier to maintain a healthy environment and prevent outbreaks of diseases,” she stated.
Mohammed Hamdiya noted that poor sanitation remains one of the leading causes of communicable diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, malaria and other infections that continue to affect many communities, especially during the rainy season.
She stressed that consistent communal labour and proper waste management practices can greatly minimize such health threats.
“If the public is truly committed towards sanitation, there is no way we will continue recording cholera cases and other communicable diseases in our communities,” she emphasized.
The Public Health worker made these remarks in an interview with The Punch Newspaper after a clean-up exercise held at Abuakwa yesterday, a community within the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality.
The exercise was spearheaded by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Wisdom Osei Boamah, who joined residents and stakeholders in clearing refuse, desilting choked gutters and improving the general cleanliness of the area.
Mohammed Hamdiya praised the MCE for demonstrating strong leadership and personal commitment to sanitation in the municipality.
“I commend the MCE for his full participation and dedication. His involvement shows that sanitation must start from leadership and extend to every citizen,” she said.
As a concerned member of the Abuakwa community and a professional public health officer, Mohammed Hamdiya expressed deep worry about the impact of poor sanitation on public health outcomes.
She explained that maintaining clean surroundings is essential not only for physical wellbeing but also for ensuring sustainable development in communities.
“My concern is about the health of the people. A clean environment is the foundation of good health, and without sanitation, we will continue to battle unnecessary sicknesses,” she added.
Mohammed Hamdiya further acknowledged the efforts of government in promoting sanitation through the provision of sanitation equipment, public education campaigns and nationwide advocacy.
However, she stressed that the success of these initiatives depends largely on citizens taking responsibility and actively supporting communal sanitation programmes.
“The government has done its part by providing equipment and creating awareness. Now, it is left with us, the citizens, to ensure communal labour and make sanitation successful,” she stated.
She urged residents of Atwima Nwabiagya South and the entire country to see sanitation as a continuous responsibility rather than a one-day activity.
She encouraged households, youth groups, community leaders and institutions to regularly engage in clean-up exercises and adopt proper hygiene practices to safeguard public health.
