By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), June 25, GNA – The Kadjebi District Assembly in the Oti Region, in collaboration with traditional authorities, will re-introduce the strict “samansaman” sanitation enforcement regime effective July 1, 2026, as part of efforts to improve environmental cleanliness and public health in the district.
A public notice issued by the Assembly and signed by Mr Innocent Komla Gavua, Kadjebi District Coordinating Director, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), said the initiative is intended to ensure strict compliance with environmental sanitation by-laws.
According to the notice, a Special Sanitation Taskforce comprising Environmental Health Officers, traditional authorities and personnel of the Ghana Police Service will be deployed across communities in the district to monitor sanitation conditions and enforce the Assembly’s environmental regulations.
The Assembly warned that individuals who litter public places, fail to keep their surroundings clean, or otherwise violate sanitation by-laws would face legal action.
“Offenders will be promptly hauled before the law courts for prosecution,” the notice stated.
The Assembly called on residents, business operators, transport unions, market women, religious bodies and other stakeholders to support the initiative by maintaining clean surroundings at all times.
It urged owners and occupants of homes, shops, offices, garages, markets, lorry parks, churches and mosques to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their premises and adjoining areas.
The notice further encouraged residents to actively participate in the monthly National Sanitation Day exercises to help improve environmental conditions throughout the district.
Some residents who spoke to the GNA welcomed the decision, noting that poor sanitation practices in some communities had contributed to indiscriminate refuse disposal and choked drains.
They expressed hope that the re-introduction of the “samansaman” regime would serve as a deterrent to sanitation offenders and help promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
Others appealed to the Assembly to complement the enforcement exercise with sustained public education on proper waste disposal and environmental hygiene.
Environmental health experts have consistently stressed the importance of improved sanitation practices in preventing outbreaks of sanitation-related diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea and typhoid fever.
The Kadjebi District Assembly expressed confidence that, with the support of traditional leaders, community members and other stakeholders, the renewed enforcement regime would significantly improve sanitation standards and enhance public health in the district.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Audrey Dekalu