The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) and Youth Professionals Network (YPN) on Saturday, have organized a clean-up exercise at Oguaa in the New Juaben South Municipality, Eastern Region.
The exercise formed part of the “KofCity Youth We Dey Project” aimed at fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, reducing the risk of flooding, and improving public health outcomes within Koforidua.
Held at Jackson Park, one of the busiest public spaces in the municipality, the clean-up saw youth from across Koforidua’s 35 electoral areas working alongside professionals from sectors such as health, security services, CHRAJ, and gender-based organizations.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Bennet Kpobi, organizer for YAC, explained that the initiative was not only about beautifying public spaces but also about tackling sanitation-related health risks.
“Shop owners, traders, and residents must understand that keeping our environment clean is everyone’s responsibility. We’re entering the rainy season, and it’s critical we desilt gutters and clear waste to avoid flooding and outbreaks of diseases,” he said.
He added that YPN, made up of professionals from key public service institutions, remains committed to supporting community-driven initiatives aimed at safeguarding public health.
Vice President of YAC, Mr. Emmanuel Atiso, who is physically challenged, also encouraged persons with disabilities to participate in environmental protection activities, emphasizing that physical limitations should not be a barrier to civic responsibility.
“Disability is not inability. Keeping our environment clean is our collective duty. I urge my colleagues to come out, support this cause, and let’s work together for a cleaner Koforidua,” he stated.
Miss Rosemary Frimpong, Project Officer at Divine Mother and Child Foundation (DMAC) — the NGO from which both YAC and YPN were formed — commended the efforts of the youth groups, stressing the importance of maintaining public spaces like Jackson Park.
“Jackson Park is one of Koforidua’s most visited areas, and it must always be clean and welcoming. Beyond beautification, maintaining clean environments helps prevent diseases such as malaria, cholera, and typhoid, especially as we approach the rainy season,” she noted.
She expressed appreciation to STAR-Ghana Foundation, Botnar Foundation, the Assembly Member for Oguaa, the media, and other partners who contributed to the success of the exercise.
The organizers used the occasion to call on the general public, shop owners, and community leaders to actively participate in future clean-up exercises and adopt good sanitation practices to make Koforidua a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally friendly municipality.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
