The Union of Informal Workers Associations (UNIWA) has backed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) directive for shops and markets to close on Saturday, October 4, to mark the first National Sanitation Day clean-up exercise.

UNIWA, which represents thousands of informal workers, including traders, artisans, market women, and service providers, described the initiative as vital to public health and community well-being.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Enoch Bioh, the union said the cleanup exercise was more than just tidying streets and markets.

“This initiative is not just about cleaning our surroundings but about instilling discipline, civic responsibility, and a collective commitment to safeguarding our environment,” UNIWA noted.

The association urged all its members to take part in the exercise and join hands with the AMA, civil society organisations, and residents of Accra to make the programme a success.

“By joining hands with the AMA, civil society, and the wider public, we demonstrate that informal workers are not only key drivers of the economy but also committed citizens dedicated to building a healthier and more sustainable city,” it added.

UNIWA also encouraged its members to come prepared with cleaning tools and enthusiasm to ensure the day sets a precedent for a culture of cleanliness across the capital and beyond.

The group further pledged to work with the AMA and other government agencies on future programmes that promote public health, environmental sustainability, and the dignity of work.

“Together, we can create a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous city for all,” UNIWA affirmed.