The Chief of Chirapatre in the Asokwa Municipal Assembly of the Ashanti Region, Nana Offe Kusi Wiredu II, has issued a stern warning to residents against the indiscriminate disposal of waste, declaring that offenders will be prosecuted.

The warning was delivered during a Boxing Day clean-up exercise led by the Chief, alongside the Nkosuohene, sub-chiefs and royals from the Manhyia Palace, as part of efforts to improve sanitation and promote communal responsibility in the community.

Addressing the media during the exercise, Nana Offe Kusi Wiredu II stressed the need for a cultural shift towards cleanliness.

“Cleanliness is holiness to God, and I will do everything possible to ensure that Chirapatre becomes a clean and healthy community,” he said.

He announced that residents caught littering or disposing of waste improperly would be handed over to the Town Council for prosecution, urging households to keep their homes and surroundings clean at all times.

The clean-up exercise, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of a brass band, saw traditional leaders working hand in hand with the youth to clear weeds and debris. The activity stretched from the Chirapatre Roman Catholic Church to the main cemetery road, with support from the Ghana National Fire Service, which helped flush gutters and clean heavily polluted areas.

Beyond sanitation, the Chief highlighted the importance of collective development, calling on residents and natives living abroad to contribute to the progress of the community.

“I urge all residents and natives living abroad to support the developmental efforts of my administration,” he stated, adding that collaboration with the Nkosuohene and sub-chiefs would help sustain initiatives that empower the youth and support widows.

As part of the day’s activities, Nana Offe Kusi Wiredu II and his elders paid visits to elderly and frail residents in their homes, offering encouragement and checking on their wellbeing.

Later, the Chief sat in state at his palace to host over 100 widows and elderly residents. In a show of compassion and festive goodwill, each beneficiary received a bag of rice, a live chicken and quality wax prints, enabling them to celebrate the Christmas season with dignity.

The day ended with a lively community football competition, featuring teams from Chirapatre, Fabi, Davita School Complex and DBS Industries, competing for the community title.

The Nkosuohene of Chirapatre, Nana Ankoma Nyame, commended the Chief for his proactive leadership but cautioned the youth against social vices.

“The devil finds work for idle hands,” he warned, urging young people to avoid drugs, promiscuity and other forms of waywardness.

He encouraged the youth to pursue meaningful work and self-sufficiency, stressing that substance abuse destroys lives and undermines the future of the community.