In a proactive move to promote environmental cleanliness and reduce the risk of flooding, the Sanitation Brigade for Development—an initiative under the Young Progressive Network—has teamed up with the Assembly Member for the Oblogo Electoral Area to launch a major environmental sanitation exercise.

The clean-up campaign, dubbed the “Good Friday Clean-Up Exercise,” is focused on desilting choked drains in the Oblogo area, one of the flood-prone zones within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality of the Greater Accra Region. With the rainy season fast approaching, organisers say the exercise is timely and essential to safeguard public health and prevent flood-related destruction.

The campaign kicked off with a thorough assessment of the area’s sanitation and drainage issues.

Following the launch, stakeholders agreed that clean-up activities will be carried out bi-weekly as part of a broader strategy to keep drains free-flowing year-round.

Patrick Asford Boadu, Convener for the Young Progressive Network and head of the Sanitation Brigade, highlighted the importance of supporting local authorities with the tools and logistics needed for effective sanitation management.

“Our aim is to empower Assembly Members and local communities to undertake regular sanitation campaigns—not just when floods loom,” he said.

Mr Boadu also called on the youth to play an active role in the clean-up initiatives and advocated for the installation of litter bins at strategic locations to reduce indiscriminate dumping.

Assembly Member for the Oblogo Electoral Area, Abdulai Tei Nene—popularly known as Olembe—echoed similar sentiments.

He urged residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, especially refraining from dumping rubbish into drains during the rains.

“Anyone caught violating sanitation laws will face prosecution in accordance with local government bylaws,” Olembe warned.

He also appealed to business owners and local residents’ associations to join hands with the Assembly to promote a cleaner, safer environment.

A local resident expressed frustration over what she described as substandard drainage construction in parts of Weija, calling on contractors to be more accountable.

She, however, commended the Young Progressive Network for their hands-on efforts and encouraged them to continue their mission of creating a healthy and sustainable environment for all.