The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu has asked for the strengthening of sanitation courts to punish those who litter if  government's planned nationwide clean-up exercise is to be sustained.

He was speaking to the Local Government Minister, Julius Debrah who had paid a courtesy call on him to outdoor government’s clean-up policy to him at the Manhyia palace Monday.

“The sanitation courts must be sustained. But nothing is done to those who create filth. We associate it with the fear of losing votes. Jail him let him know he broke the law..it’s not about votes”, the Asante king told the gathered officials and chiefs.

The local government ministry is rolling out the monthly exercise starting this November as part of its response to a national epidemic, cholera.

The disease has claimed nearly 200 lives with over 17,000 reported cases.

Lamenting on filthy surroundings in some parts of the Ashanti regional capital,Kumasi, he expressed worry at the lack of leadership in punishing those who create and operate in unhygienic environment.

The Asantehene pledged support for the government policy but added that short of  the enforcement of sanitation bye-laws, the initiative will not get the needed results.