The Member of Parliament for Gomoa East, Desmond De-Graft Paitoo, has called on the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to introduce legislation to give legal backing to the nationwide clean-up exercise.
According to him, the absence of a legal framework has made it difficult to enforce participation, resulting in many people refusing to take part in sanitation activities.
Speaking to Adom News during the two-day nationwide clean-up exercise at Nyanyano and Kakraba, organised following President John Dramani Mahama’s directive, Mr Paitoo said a law would empower security agencies and local authorities to take action against persons who disregard sanitation regulations.
He argued that stronger enforcement measures are needed to ensure citizens take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and supporting efforts to improve environmental sanitation.
The Gomoa East MP suggested that strict penalties, including physical punishment such as caning, could be considered for individuals who deliberately violate sanitation laws and engage in activities that pollute the environment.
Mr Paitoo also appealed to the Minister for Roads and Highways to review the country’s drainage systems and redesign them to meet current environmental challenges.
He said many drainage channels across the country are too small to contain increasing volumes of rainfall, contributing to frequent flooding.
The MP urged authorities to incorporate drainage improvements into road construction projects to prevent sand and debris from being washed into gutters and onto roads.
According to him, ensuring that roads and drainage systems are properly designed together will help reduce flooding, prevent blocked gutters and protect public infrastructure.
Nationwide clean-up: We planned and provided adequate logistics – Greater Accra…
We’ll seize your items – Greater Accra Minister warns shop owners…
