Tamale, Nov. 9, – Hon. Abubakari Takoro, the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, has expressed concern over low institutional participation in the National Sanitation Day exercise and called for greater involvement in subsequent exercises.

He said the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly (TaMA) had sent invitation letters to several institutions within the metropolis, but only a few participated, with students forming the majority of those who turned up.

Hon. Takoro expressed the concern during a clean-up exercise organised by the Assembly along principal streets, in market areas and in other parts of the metropolis.

“The chiefs, pastors, imams, political parties and organisations didn't show up,” he said.

The exercise formed part of the monthly National Sanitation Day initiative championed by President John Dramani Mahama to promote clean-up activities across the country.

Mr Takoro, however, commended the Lamashe Naa, saying he was the only traditional ruler who had consistently participated in the exercise since his enskinment as Chief of Lamashegu.

He said participation would have been greater if other traditional rulers had mobilised their followers to join the exercise, and encouraged them to emulate the Lamashe Naa.

He called on all political parties to participate in subsequent exercises, adding that residents who could not join the communal activities should clean their homes and immediate surroundings.

Mr Takoro said he had directed the Director of Environmental Health to inspect the premises of institutions and shops within the metropolis.

He warned that those whose premises were found to be unclean would be required to clean them, while offenders would, where necessary, be processed for court.

He thanked the Lamashe Naa, students, organisations and other residents who participated in the exercise for their contribution to keeping the metropolis clean.

By Fuseini Katali Issah