In a bid to tackle the menace of indiscriminate waste disposal and promote cleaner communities, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, through the GARID Project, has held orientation workshops for nine (9) newly formed sanitation committees in five GARID Project beneficiary Assemblies.
These committees, comprising individuals from various communities within Okaikwei North, Korle Klottey, Ayawaso East, Ayawaso North, and Ga North Municipal Assemblies, have been equipped and empowered to lead clean up campaigns aimed at fostering a culture of responsible waste management in the project intervention areas. Members of the team will also serve as focal persons for the implementation of other solid waste management interventions in their respective communities.
Addressing the participants at the workshop, the Acting Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation at the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, Mr. Akwettey Sampson, urged committee members to demonstrate unwavering commitment in mobilizing their communities towards environmental stewardship. The Director also emphasized the importance of appropriate waste management practices in safeguarding communities against environmental hazards.
“The success of our efforts lies in your dedication and commitment to the responsibilities assigned to you. Your responsibilities extend beyond mere clean-up exercises; it encompass fostering a culture of responsible waste disposal to mitigate the risk of flooding and safeguard public health,” stated the Director.
The Solid Waste Management Specialist of the GARID Project, Ms. Henrietta Osei-Tutu, encouraged members of the sanitation committees to serve as agents of change in the responsible generation and management of solid waste in their communities. “We must champion waste separation at source and advocate for proper management and disposal practices,” she asserted.
Ms. Osei-Tutu announced that the GARID Project has distributed compactor trucks and other solid waste management equipment to beneficiary assemblies. She assured participants that the project will soon distribute PPEs and other waste collection equipment to all the sanitation teams to facilitate their clean-up activities.
Participants of the orientation workshop expressed their dedication to the cause, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sustaining sanitation efforts. Edmond Akolatchey, one of the participants, remarked, “We are committed to mobilizing our communities and ensuring that every individual understands their role in keeping our environment clean. Together, we can make a tangible difference.”
A total of 30 sanitation committees will be established across 17 beneficiary communities, with plans underway to initiate orientation sessions for all the committees in the coming weeks.