20 Arrested, Over 80 Shops Locked in Mankessim as Mfantseman Assembly Enforces National Sanitation Day Exercise

Twenty people have been arrested while more than 80 shopping malls, stores and business premises have been locked in Mankessim in the Mfantseman Municipality of the Central Region for refusing to participate in the government’s National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise.

The enforcement exercise formed part of the nationwide sanitation campaign introduced by President John Dramani Mahama to improve environmental cleanliness, promote public health and encourage communities to take collective responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.

The operation was led by the Mfantseman Municipal Assembly with support from the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies. Officials moved through major business areas in Mankessim to ensure strict compliance with the Assembly’s directive, which required all businesses to suspend operations and join the municipal 2-day clean-up exercise.

Businesses found operating during the exercise were immediately locked, while individuals who allegedly ignored the directive were arrested for further legal action.

Speaking to journalists after the exercise, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Mfantseman, Hon. Eric Stanley Acquah, popularly known as Mfantseman KK, said the Assembly had given adequate notice ahead of the exercise.

According to him, several public announcements were made through local information centres and other communication channels to inform traders, food vendors, transport operators and residents about the scheduled clean-up exercise. He stressed that the Assembly repeatedly urged businesses to temporarily suspend commercial activities and actively participate in the sanitation campaign.

“We gave enough notice to everyone. There were repeated announcements, and every business owner was expected to comply. Unfortunately, some people deliberately ignored the directive, leaving us with no option but to enforce the law,” he stated.

Mfantseman KK disclosed that the 20 suspects would be processed and arraigned before court to answer charges related to their refusal to comply with the Assembly’s lawful directive.

He added that the Assembly would continue to strictly enforce sanitation regulations and warned that future offenders would face similar or even stiffer sanctions.

The MCE also appealed to residents and business owners to embrace the National Sanitation Day initiative, emphasizing that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility that helps prevent disease outbreaks, improves public health and enhances the overall appearance of the municipality.

The Mfantseman Municipal Assembly says the enforcement exercise is expected to serve as a deterrent to individuals and businesses that fail to comply with future sanitation directives as the government intensifies efforts to promote cleaner and healthier communities across Ghana.