NCCE Sensitises Cape Coast Residents Ahead of Decongestion and Clean-Up Exercises

Before the bulldozers move in or the clean-up begins, residents need to know what is happening, when it will happen, and why it matters. In line with this, the Cape Coast Metropolitan Directorate of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), with support from the Cape Coast Metropolitan Assembly (CCMA) and under the direction of the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. George Justice Arthur, embarked on a public sensitisation exercise on the Assembly’s decongestion, demolition and sanitation initiatives.

The five-day sensitisation exercise was led by Assistant Director, Madam Araba Aikins, with support from Assistant Director Mr. Fred Mac-Ocloo, CEO Madam Vivian Affor and Ms. Benedicta Addo. The team moved through communities in the Cape Coast North and South constituencies to ensure that residents were adequately informed ahead of the exercises.

On the decongestion and demolition exercise, residents were informed that the CCMA would remove stores, kiosks, unauthorised structures and other properties located along roadsides or in places without lawful authority from the Assembly.

The public was encouraged to take note of the exercise and comply with the Assembly’s directives.

Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the NCCE team noted that clearing unauthorised structures from roadsides would help improve the flow of vehicular traffic, reduce congestion and contribute to road safety by potentially reducing accidents associated with obstructed roads and road spaces.

In addition to the decongestion exercise, the team sensitised residents about a city-wide clean-up exercise.

One phase of the exercise targeted workers, institutions and schools, while another covered the entire Cape Coast Metropolis under the direction of the Metropolitan Chief Executive.

Citizens were urged to actively participate in the clean-up by keeping their surroundings free from refuse and supporting efforts to rid the metropolis of filth. The team explained that a cleaner environment could contribute to reducing health risks associated with poor sanitation while promoting a healthier and more pleasant environment for residents.

The sensitisation team visited a wide range of communities and public spaces across Cape Coast, including Krotown, Idan, Petrol Roundabout, Brofoyedur, Amanful, Ntsin, Anaafo, Castle, Commercial Street, Tantri Lorry Station, Kotoraba Market, Ekon, Bakaano, Mastersam, Mfantsipim and surrounding areas.

In Cape Coast North, the team also engaged residents around Ola Madina, Ola Low Cost, Ola Estates, Duakor, Abakam, Ahenboboi, Amamoma, Apewosika and the University of Cape Coast environs, Kwaprow, Akotokyir, Ankaful, Esuekyir, Kakumdo, Abura Market, Abura Taxi Rank, Pedu and Adisadel, among other communities.

Feedback from residents across the various areas indicated that the sensitisation was appreciated, with several citizens acknowledging that they had not been aware of the planned exercises. The outreach therefore provided an important opportunity for residents to receive timely information and understand their responsibilities in supporting the initiatives.

The final clean-up exercise brought the scheduled public sanitation activities to a close.

The exercise demonstrates the importance of public education and citizen participation in local governance, as successful decongestion and sanitation efforts require cooperation between local authorities and the communities they serve.