Asante Akim Tops Them All

The Asante Akim North District has been adjudged number one in the Ashanti Region as the district with the most comprehensive environmental and sanitation programme.

Chronicle gathered that a citation was being prepared by the Ashanti Regional Environmental Health Directorate to be presented to the district in recognition of its programmes and activities.

In an interview with the District Environmental Health Officer, Mr. Benjamin Krampah, at Konongo on Tuesday, he explained that under the personal involvement of the District Chief Executive, detailed programme of activities and implementation had been drawn.

He explained that the district is currently vigorously channelling funds from the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative (HIPC) benefits, Poverty Reduction Programme, Social Investment Fund and Urban V towards the implementation of those programmes.

The District Assembly, he said, has declared the last Tuesday of every month to be used for communal labour during which choked gutters are desilted, the streets swept clean, clearing of weeds and educating of the people about the need "to prevent diseases rather than cure them."

Krampah observed that communal spirit is dying in the country hence the district's intensive efforts, adding that people are embracing it.

He said a monitoring committee, comprising the DCE, the Police, BNI, Immigration and the district environmental health officer, supervises communal labour in the communities.

He disclosed that recently a team from the Regional Environmental Health Directorate toured the district and were impressed with its plans, programmes and activities after which the DCE was congratulated for his efforts.

The district environmental health officer indicated that absentees during communal activities will, when caught, be prosecuted and disclosed that about 40 of such people had recently been arraigned in before court and fined.

Krampah suggested to the government to consider awarding communities or districts who pursue vigorous environmental cleanliness and good sanitation programmes, like that for farmers, to motivate others to emulate.

During a recent meeting with the chiefs and people of Konongo zongo, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development and Member of Parliament for Asante Akim North, Mr. Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, praised the people for their clean streets and environs.

When contacted, the District Chief Executive, Mr. George Kwame Frimpong, said he was over-joyed and pledged the district assembly's commitment not to rest on its oars, adding, "this will inspire us to continue."