A cleaning campaign spearheaded by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Eastern Region is gaining attention as a powerful initiative to promote cleanliness and health across Ghana.
Pastor Kwaku Okyere Baffour, Executive Secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Eastern Region, explained that the church launched this clean-up initiative to help tidy up dirty areas in the community. “We are Christians, and we believe that cleanliness and worship go hand in hand. Good worship comes with a clean environment,” he said.
The clean-up exercise began at Kumasi Station and B.Faster, ending at the Central Police Station. The church collaborated with Zoomlion Ghana Limited, who handled waste collection and disposal. “We are working to ensure that Ghanaians understand that wherever people do not clean, dirt will take over. Clean environments are essential for healthy living,” Pastor Baffour added.
He expressed hope that if everyone in New Juaben and beyond keeps their surroundings clean, it will lead to better health, cleaner water, and fewer illnesses. Although the government designated the first Saturday of every month for national clean-up, the Seventh-day Adventist Church—who worship on Saturdays—conducts their clean-up on the first Sunday of every month. The initiative includes pastors, elders, and church members, all working hand-in-hand with the Municipal Assembly and Zoomlion.
Elder Wahab Addo, Laboratory Manager at S.D.A Hospital in the Eastern Region and Head of Facility at the S.D.A College of Education Polyclinic, emphasized that the church’s involvement in clean-up activities predates the government’s directive. “As someone involved in health, I know that cleanliness is a major part of disease prevention. I encourage all our members to take part in these exercises in their communities,” he stated.
He confirmed that although the official clean-up day is Saturday, they observe it on Sundays to avoid clashing with their Sabbath services. “Seven districts have come together today for this cause, while others are conducting clean-ups in their respective areas. If you worship on Sunday, make sure you join your community in this exercise to help reduce illnesses nationwide.”
Church members also expressed their support, saying it is a commendable initiative by the government. “Cleanliness is next to godliness,” one member remarked. “By participating in this clean-up, we’re not just fulfilling our role as Christians—we are fulfilling our duty as Christians
They encouraged everyone to get involved in cleaning their neighborhoods, stressing that maintaining clean and tidy surroundings is a shared responsibility. “We’re not just church members; we are Ghanaians. We want the whole world to see that we care about our environment and our health,” another member added.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Amuzu Priscilla
