The Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has directed all shops, markets and commercial entities within Accra to suspend operations during this week’s National General Cleaning Days.

The directive, contained in a press release dated July 7, said all commercial activities must cease between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, to allow residents to participate in the clean-up exercise.

The exercise is being undertaken in collaboration with the Office of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly as part of efforts to improve sanitation in the capital.

“As custodians of this land, the Ga Mantse and President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and the entire membership of the Ga Traditional Council, in partnership with government… do hereby invoke the spirit of unity and civic duty among the people of the Ga State,” the statement said.

The Ga Traditional Council explained that the clean-up exercise is intended to rid the city of filth, desilt drains and promote a cleaner environment.

“To ensure our streets are purged of filth and our drains restored to health, the Ga Traditional Council orders that all shops, markets, and commercial entities within Accra remain closed between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on both days,” the statement noted.

The council said the suspension of commercial activities is mandatory for all businesses, except emergency services, essential medical facilities and authorised sanitation personnel.

“This suspension of commerce is mandatory for all, with the sole exception of emergency services, essential medical units, and authorised sanitation personnel,” it stated.

The Ga Mantse further urged residents to observe the directive and actively participate in the exercise.

“Let every citizen rise to this call with discipline. When we cease our trading to cleanse our land, we secure our future and uphold the dignity of our people. A clean Accra is the strength of the Ga State and the pride of our nation,” the statement added.

The National General Cleaning Days form part of ongoing efforts by traditional authorities and government to improve environmental sanitation and reduce the risk of flooding and disease outbreaks in the capital.