The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has officially reinstated its “Samansaman” sanitation enforcement exercise, marking a renewed crackdown on environmental sanitation offences across the metropolis.
The operation, which resumed on Monday, July 6, 2026, forms part of the Assembly’s intensified efforts to improve sanitation standards and restore Kumasi’s reputation as one of Ghana’s cleanest cities.
On the first day of the exercise, a total of 13 individuals were arrested at Dichemso for various sanitation-related offences during an operation led by the Head of the Environmental Health Unit, Mr. Kwaku Poku. The enforcement team comprised environmental health officers, KMA technocrats, and security personnel.
As part of the exercise, sanitation officers conducted inspections in residential and commercial areas, engaged residents on proper sanitation practices, and identified individuals who failed to comply with the Assembly’s environmental regulations.
The arrested offenders were subsequently arraigned before the Prempeh Assembly District Court to face prosecution.
According to the Assembly, the reintroduction of the “Samansaman” initiative has become necessary due to the slow pace of sanitation improvements across the metropolis, a situation that continues to pose environmental and public health challenges.
The initiative is intended to ensure that residents, property owners, traders, and business operators take greater responsibility for maintaining clean homes, shops, streets, drains, and other public spaces.
The KMA emphasized that sanitation enforcement will not be a one-off exercise but an ongoing citywide operation aimed at promoting compliance with sanitation by-laws and improving environmental cleanliness.
The Assembly urged all residents to play their part by keeping their surroundings clean and disposing of waste responsibly to avoid sanctions.
KMA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting its sanitation agenda with firm enforcement measures to make Kumasi a cleaner, healthier, and safer city for residents and visitors alike.
The Assembly warned that the “Samansaman” sanitation enforcement exercise will continue across all communities within the metropolis, with offenders facing prosecution in accordance with the law.
Henry Eliud Yankey
