Former President Jerry John Rawling has asked Ghanaians to use the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ this Easter to reflect on all the ways they can contribute to keeping Ghana clean.
In a Facebook post, the former President said the perennial floods that the capital face can be avoided if Ghanaians stop building in waterways and indiscriminate dumping of refuse in gutters.
“Many of us operate above the law by constructing buildings and walls on waterways, blocking the easy flow of water during rains. We feel above the law because we are able to corrupt and manipulate city and town planning authorities or feel empowered by our association with political authority.”
“We also repeatedly refuse to do the right thing by walking some distance to dump refuse at officially designated dumps. Under the cover of darkness, we dump bags of rubbish in gutters, drains and on the shoulders of our roads. We cannot associate our habits with the sacrifice Christ endured for us if we fail to sacrifice for our environment, for our own health and for our own safety.”
He further asked Ghanaians to develop the spirit of sacrifice, and instead of taking from the country all the time, they should learn to give back to the country.
President Akufo-Addo in April 2017 promised to make Accra the cleanest city in Africa by the end of his first term.
The ambitious plan comes in the face of worsening sanitation problems in the capital.
More than a year after the announcement, many have questioned the President’s vision since no significant measure has been undertaken to rid the city of filth.
But in October last year, the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources said President’s Akufo Addo’s dream of making the national capital, Accra, the cleanest city in Africa by 2020 will be achieved.
The sector minister, Cecelia Abena Dapaah affirmed it saying; “It can, why not? The president is determined, and I am sure we are all determined. For instance, the Ministry would have to provide leadership, monitoring, evaluation and assessment in ensuring that everything is provided for the assembly and the contractors to work effectively.”
