The Mayor of Tamale, Hon. Abubakari Adam Takoro, has called on residents and stakeholders across the metropolis to take collective responsibility for improving sanitation as the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly intensifies efforts to enforce its newly gazetted sanitation bye-laws.

Speaking at a Sanitation Town Hall Meeting organised by the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly through its Environmental Health Unit, in partnership with Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the Mayor stressed that achieving a cleaner and healthier Tamale requires the active participation of residents alongside efforts by city authorities.

The meeting, held under the theme “Promoting Compliance with the Newly Gazetted Sanitation Bye-laws for a Cleaner and Healthier City,” brought together traditional authorities, Assembly Members, opinion leaders, community representatives, development partners and other key stakeholders.

The engagement provided a platform for the Assembly to educate residents on the provisions of the newly gazetted sanitation bye-laws, discuss sanitation challenges confronting the metropolis and build broader public support for compliance and enforcement.

According to Hon. Takoro, sanitation should not be regarded solely as the responsibility of the Metropolitan Assembly, but as a shared civic obligation requiring behavioural change, cooperation and commitment from residents.

“The success of our efforts to transform Tamale into a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable city depends substantially on the conduct, cooperation and active participation of residents,” he stated.

The Mayor reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to enforcing sanitation regulations while intensifying public education and strengthening collaboration with communities and relevant stakeholders.

He indicated that the Assembly would continue to work with residents, traditional authorities, community leaders and development partners to address persistent sanitation challenges and promote responsible waste management practices throughout the metropolis.

Hon. Takoro consequently urged residents to familiarise themselves with the newly gazetted bye-laws and comply with their provisions, particularly by refraining from indiscriminate waste disposal and other practices that undermine environmental cleanliness.

He further appealed to residents to actively support efforts to maintain clean surroundings, stressing that sustainable improvements in sanitation can only be achieved when individuals and communities take responsibility for protecting their environment.

The town hall meeting forms part of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly’s broader efforts to strengthen public awareness, improve compliance with sanitation regulations and promote a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Tamale.

Report By: Robicon Mornahson