The Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Pretty Brentum, has led a two-day nationwide sanitation exercise in the Aowin Municipality, urging citizens to actively participate in efforts to keep their communities clean and prevent disease outbreaks following recent floods.
The exercise forms part of a nationwide sanitation campaign directed by President John Dramani Mahama in seven regions severely affected by recent flooding. The initiative aims to improve environmental sanitation and prevent outbreaks of cholera and other sanitation-related diseases.
Speaking at the launch of the exercise in Enchi, the Aowin Municipal capital, Mr. Brentum attributed the recent flooding not only to the municipality’s low-lying geographical nature but also to human activities that continue to degrade the environment.
He identified illegal mining (galamsey), sand winning along riverbanks, indiscriminate felling of trees by chainsaw operators, construction on waterways and the dumping of refuse into drains and water bodies as major causes of flooding.
The Regional Minister cautioned residents against such practices, stressing that environmental negligence continues to worsen the impact of heavy rainfall across many communities.
He appealed to all residents to actively support the sanitation campaign, emphasizing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility.
“Cleanliness is next to godliness, and a clean environment is essential for healthy living,” he stated.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Aowin, Dr. Stephen Ntow Morcher, described the exercise as a key priority of the Mahama administration and urged residents, particularly the youth, to embrace the campaign.
He announced that the Municipal Assembly would undertake desilting of choked drains and dredging of major streams around Enchi to improve the flow of water and reduce the risk of future flooding.
The Western North Regional Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Paul Ntsugah, also advised residents to stop indiscriminate littering and make proper use of refuse bins provided at strategic locations to improve sanitation.
The clean-up exercise was carried out in several communities, including Enchi, Jensue, Nyankamam, Boinso, Achimfo, Omanpe, Kwawu, Kwame Ellubo, Nsuo Akyire, Banaso, Ebikwawkrom and Agyeikrom.
The exercise brought together officials of the Regional Coordinating Council, the Aowin Municipal Assembly, environmental health personnel, security agencies, community leaders, youth groups and residents, who joined hands to clear drains, remove refuse and promote environmental cleanliness.
