President John Dramani Mahama has issued a firm directive to all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) across the country to rigorously enforce the “Operation Clean Your Frontage” bye-law as part of a renewed national sanitation effort.
The President expressed concern about the low level of implementation of the “Operation Clean Your Frontage” initiative, a policy introduced under the previous administration by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, led by then Regional Minister Henry Quartey.
He stressed that the implementation of the policy would make the work of MMDCEs easier.
“Under the last administration, they passed a law to clean your front. How many districts are implementing this ‘Clean Your Frontage’ policy?” Mahama questioned. “If everybody cleans the front of their house, it will make your work easier. So, if you can enforce it and make sure that those who don’t do it are sanctioned, then it will make your work easier.” he said
Speaking at the Orientation and Training Programme for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) at the Institute of Local Government Studies in Madina, Accra, the President also tasked local authorities to set up district sanitation taskforces with clearly defined responsibilities, emphasizing the need for routine performance assessments to ensure accountability.
“You are hereby tasked to establish district sanitation taskforces with clear responsibilities and regular performance assessments,” President Mahama stated. “Your role includes mobilizing communities—schools, faith-based institutions, and market groups—for clean-up exercises, sanitation education, and inspection.”
He stressed the importance of strict enforcement of sanitation bye-laws, including penalties for illegal dumping, open defecation, and improper waste disposal.
In addition to enforcement, the President encouraged the MMDCEs to build partnerships with the private sector to pursue waste-to-energy projects and establish sustainable recycling value chains.
This, he said, would ensure not only cleaner environments but also create green jobs and economic opportunities at the district level.
The “Operation Clean Your Frontage” bye-law was designed to compel property owners and occupants to take responsibility for the cleanliness of their immediate surroundings.
The policy aimed to foster civic responsibility and complement national sanitation strategies.
President Mahama’s renewed focus on local government involvement in sanitation comes amid rising concerns over urban filth, poor waste management, and the public health implications of unclean environments.