Graphic-Zoomlion's cleanest region ranking initiative gets minister's nod

The Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Lydia Seyram Alhassan, has endorsed the Graphic Communications Group Ltd's and Zoomlion Ghana Limited Cleanest Region Campaign as a vital initiative to enhance Ghana's sanitation efforts.

At the launch of the campaign's technical team in Accra, Monday, September 2, 2024, Lydia Alhassan called on all Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and Regional Coordinating Councils (RCCs) to fully commit to the initiative's success.

“It is heartwarming to have the GCGL that covers the whole nation for a partnership for such a noble agenda towards improving sanitation. The Ministry of Sanitation is enthused about this initiative and is ready to support it in terms of resources and expertise, and so we call on our chiefs, elders, religious leaders, political leaders and everyone to get involved in this project to rid the country of filth,” she stated.

In attendance was the Managing Director of the Ghana Compost and Biogas Group Limited (GCGL), Ato Afful, who led a team to the ministry to discuss the upcoming maiden regional sanitation ranking, scheduled to commence next month.

While affirming her support for the campaign, Ms. Alhassan stressed that collective action from all stakeholders was essential to address sanitation challenges, as the government alone cannot achieve this goal.

She said the regions will be scored 60% by an assessment team and 40% by public votes.

The Graphic-Zoomlion Cleanest Region Ranking campaign supports the national goal of a cleaner Ghana, assessing and ranking regions based on waste management practices and overall sanitation.

The Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited, Ato Afful, emphasised the importance of effective waste management, green initiatives, and proper toilet facilities in improving public health and wellbeing.

Also present at the meeting included Ama Oforiwa Antwi, Executive Secretary of the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA), and Gloria, the Managing Director of Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

To vote for your community and contribute to the Cleanest Region rankings, dial the short code _857_7#.

The initiative's first phase focused on stakeholder engagement, policy discussions, and region-wide clean-up campaigns, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive assessment of waste management practices.

As part of the Graphic-Zoomlion Cleanest Region Ranking, Ghana's 16 regions will be evaluated on their waste management efficiency, considering factors such as the availability and quality of solid waste infrastructure, access to sanitation and hygiene facilities, the prevalence of litter and illegal dumping, the effectiveness of environmental regulation enforcement, the level of community involvement and education, the utilization of technology solutions, the provision of green spaces and urban planning, the accuracy of waste data collection and reporting, and the issuance of contracts and permits.

By examining these critical aspects, the ranking aims to provide a holistic picture of each region's waste management performance. To support this effort, Mr. Sowa led a team to the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) last Thursday to secure project support and collaboration.