The Assembly Member for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has formally petitioned the Akatsi South Police Command to arrest and prosecute residents who failed to participate in a crucial communal labour exercise. In a letter dated May 26, 2025, Hon. Gbede expressed deep concern over the persistent neglect of civic responsibility by some residents, particularly in the Sremanu community, who failed to show up for a community clean-up exercise aimed at desilting choked gutters ahead of the impending rainy season.
The Assemblyman’s Concerns.
The communal labour exercise was organized to prevent the outbreak of diseases and flooding in the area. Despite several public announcements made prior to the exercise, a number of individuals deliberately ignored the call to participate. Hon. Gbede stressed that this lack of participation not only undermines the well-being of the community but also contravenes sections of the Local Governance Act, 2016 (Act 936), particularly in relation to civic duties and sanitation enforcement, as well as environmental regulations under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851).
Call for Police Action.
To uphold law and order and ensure community participation in future exercises, Hon. Gbede, in collaboration with the Sremanu Traditional Authority and the Unit Committee Members, is urging the Police to apply the relevant provisions of the law to serve as a deterrent. The Assemblyman reiterated his commitment to safeguarding the well-being of his constituents and ensuring environmental sanitation, adding that the era of impunity and disregard for communal development must end.
Commitment to Community Development.
Hon. Gbede’s petition to the Police reflects his dedication to promoting community development and ensuring that residents take their civic responsibilities seriously. By working with the Police and traditional authorities, the Assemblyman aims to create a sense of accountability and responsibility among community members, which is essential for the overall well-being of the area.
The petition filed by Hon. Gbede highlights the importance of community participation in development initiatives and the need for authorities to take action against those who neglect their civic duties. By enforcing the law and promoting community engagement, the Assemblyman hopes to create a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous environment for the people of Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area.
