In a lead-up to the second phase of the Homowo Clean-up Exercise, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has donated safety boots and reflective vests to the Homowo Clean-up Special Task Force.

The donation was aimed at enhancing the capacity of members of the task force to effectively execute the initiative aimed at maintaining a clean environment in the Ga State.

The second phase of Homowo clean-up, an initiative of the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Tawiah Teiko Tsuru II, will commence on August 1, 2024. The first phase of the exercise ended on Saturday, July 13, 2024, with the Ga Mantse actively involved.

Zoomlion Ghana Limited made the donation during a one-day seminar organised for the task force, including Asafoatsemei and Environmental Health Officers in Accra on Friday, July 26, 2024.

The seminar was organised by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) in collaboration with the Ga Traditional Council (GTC) and Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

The training equipped the participants, particularly the Asafoatsemei, with skills to harness their influence, contribute to the clean-up efforts, and demonstrate professionalism through appropriate attire and respectful interactions.

In his remarks to the media, Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, who received the donation on behalf of the region, expressed his gratitude to Zoomlion Ghana Limited for their "great support" towards the clean-up initiative.

“I want to thank Zoomlion Ghana for their great support towards this project,” he expressed.

He also took the opportunity to commend other stakeholders, including the Ga Traditional Council (GTC), the Ministries of Sanitation and Water Resources, Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), and various other assemblies, for their contributions to the initiative.

Meanwhile, the Minister has issued a stern warning to traders selling on pavements and walkways in Accra, directing them to relocate to designated stores immediately.

He reminded them that a prior notice had already been served, instructing them to cease operations on pavements and move to allocated stores.

He emphasised that putting an end to pavement trading would significantly contribute to maintaining a clean and tidy environment in Accra.

He said that the seminar aimed to train the Asafoatsemei on how to conduct themselves during the next phase, noting that they will serve as watchdogs and supervisors, ensuring good moral conduct.

He also appealed to Accra communities to cooperate and participate in the second phase by adopting proper waste disposal practices and regularly cleaning their surroundings.

Hon. Titus Glover said that the Asafoatsemei were selected to prevent political interference and ensure impartiality.

He emphasised that the initiative goes beyond the upcoming Homowo festival, aiming for long-term sustainability, with the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) tasked with ensuring its continuation.

The Chairman of the Homowo Cleanup Exercise, Hon. Ebenezer Nartey, highlighted the importance of the Asafoatsemei’s role in maintaining cleanliness and ensuring community participation.

"We rely on your leadership and influence to drive this initiative forward," he said.

He indicated that the RCC and Zoomlion have resolved several challenges noticed during the first phase of the clean-up exercise, paving the way for a successful second phase.

“With the trained Asafoatse leaders at the helm, the Homowo clean-up exercise is likely to have a big impact on the cleanliness and beauty of the Ga State,” he said.

For his part, the Greater Accra Zoomlion General Manager, Mr. Ernest Morgan Acquah, emphasised the crucial role of the Asafoatsemei in the clean-up exercise.

He outlined their responsibilities, including supervising households, reporting issues, engaging with the community, and maintaining professionalism.

He stressed the importance for them to respect community members' privacy and avoiding discrimination, and warned that any misbehaviour would result in removal from the team.