- Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri warns residents will be surcharged for poor sanitation
- Routine community inspections and National Sanitation Day to be reintroduced
- Government to demolish unauthorized structures; enforcement to be non-partisan
Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Atanga Akamugri, has issued a firm warning that residents who contribute to poor sanitation in the region will be held accountable and surcharged. This announcement comes as part of a series of decisive actions to address the region’s worsening sanitation crisis, especially in municipal and district capitals.
Mr. Akamugri delivered the warning during a courtesy visit to Tindaana Baba Ayeta Yagele Kuure, the traditional landowner and spiritual leader of the Tindonmolgo community in Bolgatanga. The visit aimed to express gratitude and seek traditional support for the region’s development efforts.
Expressing concern over unsanitary conditions, particularly in Bolgatanga, the Minister highlighted the government’s growing frustration with indiscriminate waste disposal, clogged drains, and neglected surroundings. He emphasized that residents must take responsibility for maintaining clean environments.
In addition to plans to revive National Sanitation Day, the government intends to reintroduce routine inspections across communities. Environmental units, in collaboration with Municipal and District Chief Executives, will be tasked with overseeing sanitation compliance. Residents found negligent will face financial penalties.
“Environmental officers will be assigned to specific communities for inspections, and individuals who fail to maintain proper sanitation will be surcharged,” the Minister stated.
Despite the involvement of sanitation companies like Zoomlion, the Minister attributed ongoing sanitation challenges to poor public attitudes and weak enforcement of laws.
Mr. Akamugri also warned that illegal structures within urban areas would be demolished. He urged traditional leaders to educate their communities on the importance of compliance, stressing that enforcement would be non-partisan and apply to all, regardless of status.
He assured stakeholders that public engagement and education would precede any demolition activities.
In response, Tindaana Baba Ayeta Yagele Kuure voiced his support for the Minister’s leadership and development agenda. He lamented the region’s long-standing neglect and compared its underdevelopment unfavorably with neighboring Upper West.
“You have my full support—spiritually and physically,” the Tindaana assured. “Do not be afraid to act. If your intentions are right, the gods of our land will protect you. Leave a legacy that will be remembered.”
