Accra shops to close on Saturday, Oct. 4, for sanitation day clean-up

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that all shops and markets in the capital will be closed on Saturday, October 4, 2025, to allow for the first official National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise, following its launch by President John Dramani Mahama.

In a release signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the exercise, which begins at 6:00 a.m., will cover all sub-metropolitan areas of Accra, with intensified operations in Agbogbloshie, Tuesday Market, Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and its environs, Kwasiadwaso, and Kaneshie Market.

The activities will include desilting drains, clearing refuse, and tidying market precincts to reduce flooding and health risks.

“This citywide exercise is being undertaken to rid Accra of filth, promote public health, and strengthen our shared responsibility for a cleaner, safer, and more resilient city.”

Assembly Members are expected to lead clean-up activities in their electoral areas to ensure simultaneous and coordinated work across the metropolis. Public Health Officers will also be deployed to monitor compliance with the closure directive.

The AMA further cautioned that failure to comply with the order could result in prosecution.

“Failure to comply constitutes an offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of up to one hundred penalty units or imprisonment of not less than thirty days and not more than six months, or both, with a continuing offence attracting an additional daily penalty,” the statement warned.

Residents, traders, and stakeholders have been urged to actively participate in the exercise to ensure its timely completion.