The Maritime Security Coordinator of the Ghana Maritime Authority, Commander Festus Osei Brobbey has called for a collaboration between the Ghana Navy and stakeholders to keep the Dambai landing sites clean. 

He entreated market leaders, traditional authorities, the Municipal assembly, ZoomLion, and boat owners to form a synergy towards achieving this feat.

Commander Brobbey made the appeal while addressing stakeholders at Dambai in the Oti Region during the GMA’s annual clean-up exercise on Monday.

He asserted that the initiative would ensure a clean marine environment and healthy living which would promote economic activities and enhance livelihoods. 

He warned against the disposal of polythene and plastic waste into the lake, since it would have dire consequences on the marine environment and outboard motors use to power the boats. 

“When you dump polythene into the lake, it can affect your outboard motors. It will enter the propeller of the outboard motor and damage it”, he advised. 

He also urged boat operators to desist from overloading and drinking alcohol when transporting passengers. 

“Most importantly you must listen to the Naval Officers, we are experts in identifying harsh weather conditions. So when a Navy officer advises you not to travel on the lake due to foreseen unfavorable weather conditions, listen to him”, he stressed. 

Paramount Queen of Chonke Traditional Area, Dambai, Nana Ngyiabeke II, lauded the efforts of the Ghana Maritime Authority in promoting good sanitation.

She noted that Dambai Tradition authorities would organize a clean-up exercise on landing sites and the market center on Tuesday, but lamented the lack of logistics in carrying out the exercise.

“We will use the information service and gong-gong beater to inform the entire township and mobilize them for the clean up every Tuesday, which is a day after the market day”, she said.

The Ghana Maritime Authority presented 4 dustbins, brooms, rakes, hand sanitizers, tissues, bottled water, and some assorted drinks to the traditional authorities.

The GMA staff joined the traders to clean the landing sites and expressed hope that the exercise would continue.