The Member of Parliament (MP) for Chiana-Paga, Nikyema Billa Alamzy, has called for a concerted effort in managing waste in the country. He noted that many citizens often neglect their responsibility of keeping their surroundings clean, assuming it is solely the government’s duty to manage waste generated by the public.
Speaking to A1 Radio after participating in the National Sanitation Day exercise in Kandiga, in the Kassena-Nankana West District, Mr. Alamzy stressed that while the government has a duty to provide waste management systems, individuals and communities must also play their part.
“Sometimes I tell people that it is not even for us to wait for the government to declare a particular day before we clean our environment. No, we are supposed to be doing it regularly,” he said. “When you are clean, you are closer to God than when you are not. So, I urge our people not to let it end here. Back home and in our markets, they should learn how to dispose of waste properly.”
Mr. Alamzy emphasised lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that Ghana did not record a single case of cholera during the period. “That was because we were so concerned about cleanliness — washing our hands and keeping our surroundings clean. When we are committed to cleanliness, we keep ourselves safe. It is not the government that will be safe, it is us, the people,” he explained.
The MP further emphasized that the consequences of poor sanitation are borne by the public. “When there is an outbreak of cholera, it is the public that suffers most. That is why we must all take responsibility for waste management,” he added.
The well-attended cleanup exercise in Kandiga brought together key stakeholders, including the DCE for Kassena-Nankana West, Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the Chief of the Kandiga Traditional Area, Naba Henry Abawine Amenga-Etego II, security agencies, assembly staff, Zoomlion workers, traders, and residents of the district.
Mr. Alamzy commended the participation of the community and assured that the government would continue to support sanitation efforts. “It is not too late. When we come together, we can change the narrative,” he said.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Kandiga
