Traders Idle as Kumasi Observes Sanitation Day
Many traders in Kumasi’s business district opt out of National Sanitation Day cleanup, citing KMA’s responsibility.
- Kumasi’s usually busy Central Business District fell silent as shops closed for National Sanitation Day.
- Despite government appeals, most traders chose not to join the cleanup exercise.
- Many traders argued that sanitation work is the responsibility of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and other organised groups.
The usually lively Central Business District of Kumasi took on an uncharacteristic calm on Saturday morning as shops stayed closed in observance of National Sanitation Day.
By 8:30 a.m., the typically crowded streets—normally buzzing with traders and shoppers—were nearly deserted, with only a few individuals seated in front of their locked shops.
Although the government had urged all citizens to join the monthly cleanup exercise, many traders opted to remain idle, watching others carry out the work.
Some were spotted chatting in groups or scrolling through their phones, waiting for the activity to end so they could resume business.
When asked why they were not participating, several traders said they believed sanitation responsibilities rested with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and other organisations leading the cleanup effort.
