By Philip Tengzu, GNA
Mandari (S/R), Oct. 12, GNA – The Mandari community in the Bole District of the Savannah Region has initiated measures to improve sanitation through the provision of waste management equipment and a renewed commitment to regular community clean-up exercises.
The initiative, spearheaded by sons and daughters of the community, including those in the diaspora, formed a key component of the community’s maiden homecoming celebration held at the weekend.
As part of the commitment, the community purchased three Zoomlion skip containers, three Moto Kings for waste collection, and other equipment, including shovels, rakes and related tools, to support the community’s sanitation drive.
The initiative sought to help address persistent waste disposal challenges, improve environmental cleanliness and establish a sustainable community-led waste management system.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. Fati Bodua Seidu, the lead convener of the Mandari Homecoming 2026, indicated that the sanitation initiative was part of efforts to mobilise the community to take responsibility for its development rather than depend solely on government.
The event brought together scores of people, including Mr Yusif Sulemana and Mr Yussif Jajah Issaka, Members of Parliament for the Bole-Bamboi and Ayawaso North Constituencies, respectively, Bole District Chief Executive and representatives of the Ghana Library Authority.
Held under the theme: “United for Progress, Building the Mandari We Want”, the celebration provided a platform for the people to identify the community’s development challenges and practical ways to address them.
It also featured a colourful display of the rich culture of the people, including the Sato, Giwaah and Gbere dances to the admiration of the gathering.
Personnel from the Narcotics Control Commission also educated the people, particularly the youth, on the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Mrs. Seidu, also the Chief Director, Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Justice, expressed optimism that the sanitation initiative, if sustained, would enable Mandari to become a clean community.
“We hope that the people of Mandari, with our leadership, will together come up with models to run this sanitation programme to make sure that Mandari is one of the cleanest communities in Ghana, or at least in the Bole District”, she said.
She said the sanitation initiative was informed by concerns of the residents about the difficulty of disposing of household waste and the need for a coordinated system to keep the community clean.
She said the community had also initiated discussions with the Bole District Assembly to develop a plan for a suitable long-term waste disposal site.
She mentioned an improved health facility, a community centre and school furniture as some needs of the community and appealed for the intervention of the MP and the DCE.
Gariba Alhaji Gilbert Seidu Iddi, the Chief of Mandari, indicated that the sanitation initiative required collective commitment, and said a committee would be formed to oversee its success.
He emphasised that the provision of equipment alone would not guarantee improvement in the community’s sanitation situation unless the residents adopted responsible waste disposal practices.
He also encouraged the youth to take advantage of the educational and development opportunities available to them and warned them against drug abuse and other practices that could undermine their future.
Mandari Safalinaa Kanfinti II, the Head of the Madari Landlords, emphasised the importance of reviving the spirit of communal labour towards achieving a clean Mandari community.
He said: “We cannot fold our hands and wait for others to do everything. We must revive communal labour.
“We can clean our surroundings, support our schools, keep water resources clean and protect public property.”
GNA/
Edited by Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: Philip Tengzu, GNA
Reporter’s email address: [email protected]