"We will show no mercy to anyone who flout national sanitation day directive" — Accra Mayor

The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has issued a strong warning that the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) will strictly enforce the upcoming National Sanitation Day exercise, declaring that authorities will show no leniency to individuals and businesses that fail to comply with the directive.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Ga Traditional Council ahead of the 2026 Homowo Festival, the Mayor stressed that maintaining a clean city is crucial to the successful celebration of the Ga people's most important cultural festival.

"We will show no mercy to anyone who flouts the National Sanitation Day exercise directive," Mr. Allotey stated.

He announced that the nationwide sanitation exercise, scheduled for Saturday, August 1, will be observed from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., urging all residents, traders and business owners to suspend commercial activities and actively participate in cleaning their communities.

The Mayor warned that traders who ignore the directive and keep their shops open risk severe sanctions, including the closure of their businesses.

"Those who keep their shops open and refuse to participate in the exercise will have their shops locked. We expect everyone to support the exercise because a clean Accra is the responsibility of all of us," he said.

Mr. Allotey further disclosed that goods confiscated during enforcement operations would be donated to orphanages instead of being returned to offenders.

Addressing the youth, he appealed to them to celebrate this year's Homowo Festival responsibly by exercising patience and staying away from marijuana, tramadol and other harmful substances and deviant behaviours.

"I pray that through this Homowo Festival, peace will prevail in the Ga State. This celebration belongs to all of us, so let us celebrate in peace and unity," he said.

He also urged the sub-chiefs and traditional leaders within the Ga State to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation, stressing that unity among traditional authorities would contribute significantly to the development and revival of the Ga State.

Earlier, the Mayor joined the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo; the Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie; and the Municipal Chief Executive for Korle Klottey, Hon. Alfred Allotey-Gaisie, on a courtesy visit to the Ga Traditional Council ahead of this year's Homowo Festival.

The visit reaffirmed government's commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Ga people while promoting peace, unity and a successful celebration.

On behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the delegation presented assorted food items, beverages and a cash donation to support the festival.

The donation comprised 119 sacks of maize, 119 gallons of palm oil, 81 cartons of Guinness, 130 cartons of beer, 83 cartons of malt and assorted soft drinks, as well as a cash donation of GH¢100,000.

The items were received by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, on behalf of the Ga Traditional Council and are expected to be distributed among the various clans under the Ga State to support the successful organisation of the annual festival.

The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, reaffirmed government's commitment to preserving Ga traditions and promoting peace, unity and development, noting that the presentation demonstrated government's continued partnership with the traditional authorities.

The Member of Parliament for the Odododiodio Constituency, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, extended his warmest wishes to the chiefs and people of the Ga State, expressing confidence that this year's Homowo Festival would be peaceful, successful and memorable.

He encouraged Ghanaians and visitors from across the country and beyond to participate in the festivities and experience the unique culture, hospitality and traditions of the Ga people.

Touching on security arrangements, the MP disclosed that engagements had been held with the Ghana Police Service to ensure adequate security throughout the celebration.

According to him, security personnel will be deployed before, during and after the festivities to protect lives and property and maintain law and order.

He cautioned that anyone who breaches the law during the celebrations would be arrested and made to face the full rigours of the law, stressing that no individual would be allowed to disrupt the peace.

Beyond the festival, Hon. Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie also threw his support behind the upcoming National Sanitation Day exercise, stressing that the Ga people could not celebrate their biggest cultural festival in an environment engulfed in filth.

He described environmental cleanliness as a shared responsibility and urged residents within the constituency and across the Greater Accra Region to actively participate in the sanitation exercise by cleaning their homes, markets, streets and communities.

According to him, collective participation would not only improve public health but also enhance the beauty of the national capital and provide a fitting atmosphere for the Homowo celebrations.

The MP further expressed confidence that this year's Homowo Festival would strengthen peace, unity and solidarity among the various Ga communities while promoting harmonious coexistence.

He reiterated that the food items, beverages and cash donation presented by government would be shared among the various clans under the Ga Traditional Council to support the successful celebration of the festival.

The Homowo Festival, one of Ghana's most celebrated cultural festivals, commemorates the resilience and triumph of the Ga people over a historic period of famine.

The annual celebration is characterised by traditional rites, drumming, dancing, cultural displays and the sharing of the symbolic kpokpoi meal, attracting thousands of residents, tourists and dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith