Traders in Sofoline, a vibrant hub of economic and social activity in the Kwadaso Municipality of Ashanti Region, are hailing the government's National Sanitation Day initiative as a game-changer.

They reckon the monthly clean-up exercises, held on the first Saturday of every month, have made a huge difference in keeping their surroundings clean and tidy.

According to them, this has boosted hygiene and helped curb diseases like cholera and malaria.

In an interview with Adom News, Marimatu Adam, a food vendor, shared her gratitude for the improved sanitation in the area, crediting the MCE for Kwadaso and assembly officials for prioritising their area during clean-up exercises.

"Honestly, our environment was a mess before, but since the National Sanitation Day initiative kicked off, we're feeling the difference. The MCE for Kwadaso and the assembly folks have been doing a solid job, making sure our area gets cleaned up regularly," she said.

She pointed out that despite the government's best efforts through the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to promote cleanliness, there is a noticeable gap in citizen participation.

"It's like we are not meeting the mark because of the low turnout in clean-up exercises. Most of us here aren't getting involved, and that's a problem."

She called on her fellow traders in the area to get involved in the exercise because it is in their best interest.

Another food vendor at the Sofoline bus stop chimed in, sharing how the clean-up initiative has been a game-changer for her business.

"Since we've been keeping our area clean, more people are coming to eat here. It makes sense – who doesn't want to grab a bite in a tidy spot? The cleaner environment has boosted sales, and the vendors here are loving it."

Kwasi Acheampong, a mobile money agent and money changer, urged the government to keep investing in sanitation initiatives, saying it's a key way to keep the country clean.

He, however, blamed some traders, drivers, and passengers for littering and making the Sofoline environment dirty again right after clean-up exercises.

Meanwhile, Kwadaso Environmental Officer, Genevieve Anthony, applauded the Municipal Chief Executive, Eric Assibey, for his commitment to the National Sanitation Day initiative, particularly in providing logistics for the clean-up exercises.

She urged residents in all corners of the municipality to get involved in the clean-up exercise whenever it's conducted.

"It's a collective effort, and everyone's involvement makes a huge difference in keeping our community spiffy," she said.

The National Sanitation Day initiative, focusing on desilting drains and waste management, aims to boost national pride, enhance tourism, and includes strict enforcement of environmental by-laws across all 16 regions.