The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has issued a stern warning that it will enforce sanctions against individuals and shop owners who fail to participate in the mandatory monthly National Sanitation Day cleanup exercises.
Low Turnout and KMA’s Concern
On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the usually vibrant Central Business District (CBD) of Kumasi was noticeably quiet as shops remained locked in observance of the cleanup. However, by mid-morning, while the streets were clear of the typical hustle, many traders were observed simply sitting idle in front of their closed shops, opting to watch others clean rather than take part.
Environmental Health Officer Kwaku Poku expressed the Assembly’s frustration over the persistent lack of participation.
“It has been a source of worry to the assembly whenever we are organising this kind of exercise — the participation has been quite low. We expect the shop owners and the attendants to support us in that regard.”
Mr. Poku highlighted that even with extensive public announcements, many shop owners still intentionally close their businesses and avoid the national exercise.
New Measures and Penalties
To address the low compliance, the KMA is moving toward a stricter enforcement policy. Mr. Poku indicated that the Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Kwasi Ofori Boadi Agyemang, has committed to introducing measures to ensure maximum participation across the city.
- Mandatory Participation: “It is a national exercise, so everybody is supposed to partake in it,” Mr. Poku stated, underscoring the compulsory nature of the activity.
- Imposed Penalties: “Those who refuse to take part will face sanctions so that everybody sees this exercise as an important one,” he added.
Earlier in the day, the Mayor took immediate action, directing that shops in the CBD remain closed until after 2 p.m. as a penalty for traders who ignored previous cleanup exercises, signaling the KMA’s seriousness about enforcement.
