Sanitation and health were highlights of the Ghana Armed Forces Fourth Infantry Battalion Army Week celebration in Kumasi.

Personnel of the division joined by some residents, spent hours Sunday morning cleaning up major places in the city.

Dr Mensah, Adum, Kejetia and Bomso are among areas of attention in the clearing of weeds and rubbish to improve environmental sanitation.

Major Emmanuel Wumbeidow, who led the exercise, said it is also part of a new drive to enhance military-civilian relations through co-operation.

 “We believe that our impact should be felt not only in the area of security but in area of cleanliness,” he said.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Oforikrom, Dr, Emmanuel Marfo, took part in the exercise.

‘’When the MCE informed me that the military will be [embarking on] this exercise we decided to lead by example,” he explained.

Earlier, residents of Sofoline, immediate neighbours of the military barracks underwent health screening after a route march.

Body Mass Index, blood pressure and sugar levels among others were checked. 

Patrons, mostly commercial drivers and traders reported body pains and isolated cases of high blood pressure, diabetes and malaria.

“They should balance rest and hard work so they don’t resort to pain killers to stay healthy,” advised the medical officer in charged, Dr Dominic Aganda Yam Abagre.

The Army week is under the theme, ‘’Ghana Army, Providing Security for National Development’’.