Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, has warned that residents found culpable for poor sanitation will be held accountable and surcharged.

The move, according to the Regional Minister, was part of bold measures to tackle growing sanitation challenges in the region, particularly in municipal and district capitals.

Mr Akamugri made the announcement when he called on Tindaana Baba Ayeta Yagele Kuure, the Tindaana (Landowner/traditional spiritual head) of Tindonmolgo community in Bolgatanga.

The visit was to thank him for his support and to court the support of the Tindaana and stakeholders in developing the region and their respective communities.

The Regional Minister bemoaned the poor sanitation situation in the region, particularly in Bolgatanga and reiterated government’s commitment to changing the narrative.

He said government was increasingly concerned about the rise in indiscriminate dumping of waste, choked drains, and unkempt surroundings in many communities and said it was about time residents took responsibility of their own environment and ensure cleanliness.

He said apart from the government’s intention to reintroduce the national sanitation day, it was also reintroducing monitoring across communities to ensure residents kept their environment clean.

“In this region, working with the Municipal and District Chief Executives, we will put the environmental units into proper use by making sure that we assign some communities to them to do the inspections”, he said.

“And when they do the inspections, people can be surcharged for not performing their roles”.

He said despite the activities of Zoomlion, the surroundings were still filthy and attributed the cause to poor attitudes of residents and lack of enforcement of the sanitation laws.

Mr Akamugri believed that the inspections and new strategy will not only deter poor sanitation practices but also foster a culture of cleanliness and shared responsibility among residents.

The Minister also warned that unauthorised structures erected within towns will also be demolished and urged the traditional leaders to sensitise their subjects to comply.

“We are not going to do it because we hate anybody, it is going to be politically blind and no matter your status, the law should be applied”, he said.

He said sensitisations and engagements would be held with stakeholders regarding the new strategy before any demolition exercises would be carried out.

On his part, the Tindaana, Baba Ayeta Yagele Kuure expressed confidence in the Minister to transform the fortunes of the region which he described as “underdeveloped”.

He said the Upper East Region and Bolgatanga had been neglected by successive governments and stressed that “Upper West Region was under us, but they are far developed than us now”.

He assured the minister of his spiritual and physical support to succeed in his reign and to change the story of the region to leave a legacy.

“Do not be afraid, work to leave a legacy that will be talked about for many years.

“I am with you and the gods of our land are with you as far as you are doing what is right for the people, do not fear, nothing will happen to you”, he said.