By Gladys Apuweni
Members of Media Coalition Against Open Defecation (M-CODE) in Upper East Region joined forces with the Street Janitors, a voluntary group of young men and women, to undertake a massive clean-up exercise in the Bolgatanga Central Market. The group swept, desilted, and cleared refuse from various sections of the market, a gesture aimed at promoting sanitation and hygiene in the municipality. The team also engaged traders on the dangers of open defecation and poor sanitation. A leading member of Street Janitors, Mr. Ayamga Clement, spoke to GBCNews.
“There are many health risks associated with open defecation, including outbreaks of cholera, typhoid fever, and other sanitation-related illnesses. Every Ghanaian has a role to play in the fight against open defecation and must commit to keeping their surroundings clean”. He said.
The market women were further advised to keep their stalls, homes, and the environment tidy, including ensuring that streets and gutters remain clean to help safeguard public health.
“Sometimes people mock us and call us all sorts of names, but we are not discouraged because we know the importance of what we are doing. Our aim is to contribute to a healthier Bolga’’ The traders should emulate this important exercise and keep the streets and their stalls clean”. He advised.
Mr. Clement, however, noted that the group faces significant challenges, including a lack of cleaning materials and basic tools to facilitate their work. He therefore appealed to stakeholders, benevolent individuals, and institutions to support the Street Janitors in sustaining their efforts. The exercise reflects a growing awareness in the Upper East Region about the need for active community participation in sanitation campaigns.
