The Municipal Environmental Health Officer (MEHO) of West Mamprusi Municipality in the North East Region, Mr. Faustinus Anchaba, has issued a strong call for legal action after sanitation officers were reportedly verbally assaulted during an enforcement exercise at Nayiri Fong in Walewale.
The MEHO condemned the attack, emphasizing that such behavior must be met with justice to uphold the rule of law and protect personnel committed to safeguarding public health. He highlighted that sanitation enforcement involves ongoing community engagement, education, and patience — efforts that are often met with hostility.
Sanitation officers are trained professionals whose primary role is to educate residents on proper sanitation practices and address environmental nuisances,” he stated. However, some residents respond with insults and, in extreme cases, violence, which hampers our efforts and endangers our officers.
Witnesses present during the incident reported seeing sanitation officers being verbally assaulted while attempting to educate a household on sanitation issues. The verbal abuse extended to media personnel documenting the enforcement exercise, further complicating the situation.
Despite interventions by community elders and local authorities, the MEHO stressed that justice must be pursued through the legal system. He warned that dismissing the case or seeking an amicable settlement without proper legal proceedings would undermine the morale of sanitation officers and weaken enforcement efforts.
The law must take its course,” he asserted. “If the court determines that there is no case to answer, so be it. But we cannot dismiss this matter simply because of pressure for an informal resolution. Justice must be served.
He reiterated the importance of supporting and protecting sanitation officers as they carry out their duties, emphasizing that enforced sanitation laws are vital to public health and environmental cleanliness in Walewale.
In conclusion, the MEHO appealed to authorities to ensure accountability for any assaults against sanitation personnel, stressing that justice serves as a critical deterrent against future hostility and helps uphold the integrity of sanitation enforcement.
We must stand in support of our officers and ensure that those who assault them are held accountable,” he said. “Justice must prevail to maintain public trust and effective sanitation management in Walewale.
By: Mahamudu Musah
