UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By: Prosper Adankai
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Bolgatanga, Mr. Roland Ayoo Atanga, has called on residents to adopt positive attitudes towards sanitation in order to restore the municipality to its former state of cleanliness, reminiscent of what he described as its “glorious days” in 2004.
According to Mr. Ayoo Atanga, poor sanitation remains one of the major challenges confronting the municipality, and addressing it requires a collective change in mindset and behaviour. He stressed that government efforts alone would not yield the desired results unless residents take personal responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean.
Speaking on the URA Sunrise programme on GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga, the MCE emphasized that improved sanitation is critical to public health, environmental sustainability, and the overall image of the municipality. He reminded residents that a clean environment reduces the spread of diseases, enhances quality of life, and attracts investment and tourism.
Mr. Ayoo Atanga hinted at plans by the Municipal Assembly to intensify monitoring and engagement, beginning with visits to government bungalows in the coming days. According to him, public sector workers must take the lead in sanitation efforts by maintaining clean compounds and serving as role models for the wider community.
He stated that leadership by example is essential in changing public attitudes towards sanitation. “If government workers demonstrate commitment to cleanliness, it will encourage others to do same,” he noted.
The MCE expressed concern over the low level of participation in the monthly Sanitation Day introduced by the current administration. He observed that despite its importance, many residents fail to take part, undermining the objective of the initiative. He therefore urged residents to fully embrace the exercise as a civic duty rather than a government-imposed activity.
Mr. Ayoo Atanga reminded residents of the popular saying that “cleanliness is next to godliness,” stressing that maintaining a clean environment is both a moral and social responsibility. He called on households, market women, transport operators, and business owners to ensure proper waste disposal and avoid indiscriminate dumping of refuse.
He further appealed to traditional authorities, opinion leaders, and community-based organisations to support the Assembly’s sanitation drive by educating residents and enforcing by-laws where necessary. According to him, sustained collaboration among all stakeholders is key to achieving lasting improvements in sanitation.
The MCE assured residents that the Municipal Assembly remains committed to strengthening sanitation enforcement and improving waste management systems across the municipality. He expressed optimism that with renewed commitment and active participation from residents, Bolgatanga could once again become a model of cleanliness in the Upper East Region.
Mr. Ayoo Atanga concluded by urging residents to take pride in their environment and work together to build a cleaner, healthier, and more dignified municipality for present and future generations.
