The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with Fidelity Bank Ghana, has organised a clean-up exercise at the Ho Central Market to promote sanitation, combat plastic waste, and restore discipline.
The exercise also marked the launch of the National Sanitation Day Clean-Up in the Ho Municipality by the Ho Municipal Assembly. It formed part of the NCCE and Fidelity Bank’s joint “3Rs Project,” aimed at promoting the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastics.
Mr. Ken Kponor, Volta Regional Director of the NCCE, said the initiative was crucial in addressing plastic pollution and poor sanitation in communities. He bemoaned the misuse of sections of the new market, which have become hotspots for open defecation, drug abuse, and other acts of indiscipline.
“This is where we buy our food. If the market is not kept clean, you can imagine the health risks to households,” he warned, urging the Assembly to reclaim unoccupied shops and restore order.
He further stressed that Ho must live up to its “Oxygen City” reputation, warning that poor waste management could damage its image, pollute water bodies, and threaten livelihoods, especially fishing.
Ms. Eunice Atsu, Direct Sales Executive of Fidelity Bank, Ho Branch, described sanitation as a shared duty, pledging the bank’s continued support.
“The filth in town is worrying. We believe collaboration with institutions like the NCCE can make a real difference,” she said.
Mr. David Sebuabe, Environmental Health Officer in charge of the market, said sanitation challenges persisted despite monthly clean-ups. He revealed that some unallocated shops were being used as makeshift shelters and urged the Assembly to secure and reassign them to traders.
“Sometimes we use our own resources to clear refuse and stop open defecation here. Unless these areas are secured, the problem will persist,” he cautioned.
The exercise ended with calls for stronger enforcement, sustained community involvement, and partnerships to keep the market and municipality clean, safe, and business-friendly.
GNA
