I n a show of community action and civic responsibility, members of the Asanteman Anti-Pollution Coalition, AAPC, joined forces with Assembly staff, traders, and residents on Saturday to decongest choked gutters at the Konongo Main Lorry Station.

The exercise formed part of President John Dramani Mahama’s national directive to rid Ghana of filth and restore environmental order across cities and towns.

Armed with shovels, wheelbarrows, and gloves, volunteers worked for hours scooping tonnes of plastic waste, polythene bags, and debris from drains that had blocked the free flow of water for months. The intervention targeted flood-prone areas at the transport hub, where stagnant water has long posed a health risk to traders and commuters.

Educate. Enforce. Partner.

AAPC, a grassroots movement with the vision to Educate. Enforce. Partner. for clean communities, led the mobilization in Asante Akyem Central. The group says sustainable sanitation goes beyond one-day clean-ups and must be backed by public education and strict enforcement.

Dr. Francis Owusu Anane, CEO of New Age Agro Services and a leading member of AAPC, was on the ground with his staff. Beyond clearing gutters, his team conducted fumigation and cleared overgrown weeds around the Konongo Government Hospital to reduce mosquito breeding sites.

"We cannot separate health from environment. If we want to cut down malaria, typhoid and other sanitation-related diseases, then cleaning must be continuous, not ceremonial."

Assembly pledges tougher stance

The Municipal Chief Executive for Asante Akyem Central, Hon. Rev. Dr. Ebenezer Aidoo, joined the exercise and commended the volunteers. He warned that the Assembly will no longer tolerate environmental nuisance.

"The time for warnings without action is over. Traders, drivers, and citizens must be self-disciplined. We will enforce our bye-laws and sanction anyone caught dumping indiscriminately."

The Konongo Traditional Council also threw its weight behind the initiative. Chiefs were present throughout the exercise and raised concern over the refuse dump site at Ward 6, which they said poses a serious threat to the Oweri River. The Traditional Authority has called for the immediate relocation of the dump to protect the water body.

Call to sustain the momentum

Speaking to journalists after the clean-up, AAPC member Mr. Krobea Asante urged residents to protect the gains made.

"We are cautioning citizens to sustain what we have done today. Report those who dump indiscriminately to AAPC and the Assembly. We shall take action. A clean environment is not the work of government alone. It is the work of all of us."

With tonnes of waste evacuated and gutters flowing again, organizers say the Konongo exercise is a template for other communities in Asanteman.

AAPC says it will continue monthly clean-ups, school education drives, and advocacy for public bins to prevent future dumping.