Kumasi Mayor Orders Closure of Shops Until 2 p.m. Over Sanitation Day Boycott
Credit: Doris Lonta
The Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang, has directed that all shops within the Central Business District (CBD) remain closed until 2 p.m. following traders’ refusal to participate in the National Sanitation Day cleanup exercise.
According to the Mayor, the decision serves as a disciplinary measure to compel traders to take part in efforts to keep the city clean. He expressed disappointment over the low turnout during the exercise, stressing that the attitude of some traders undermines the government’s drive to maintain hygiene and prevent disease outbreaks in the metropolis.
Mr. Agyemang cautioned that stricter measures will be enforced in future sanitation exercises if traders continue to show apathy. He explained that traders who fail to participate will face delayed reopening hours — possibly until 4 p.m. — as a form of deterrence. Those who defy the directive will have their shops locked and face additional fines.
“We cannot continue to live in filth and expect the city to be attractive for business and tourism. Every trader has a role to play in keeping Kumasi clean,” the Mayor stated.
He further emphasized that the city authorities would only restore normal business hours when traders actively engage in the cleanup exercises, adding that communal participation will make the initiative faster, more effective, and sustainable.
Mr. Agyemang also appealed to residents to take the National Sanitation Day seriously, reminding them that cleanliness is not only a civic duty but also a collective responsibility vital to public health and the city’s reputation as the “Garden City.”
Background
A visit to the Kumasi Central Business District on Saturday revealed that although most shops were closed in compliance with the directive, many traders were seen loitering or sitting idle in front of their shops rather than joining the cleanup efforts.
The development has raised concerns about public commitment to sanitation campaigns and whether Kumasi can sustain long-term cleanliness if citizens and traders remain indifferent to such initiatives.
