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Kumasi Technical Institute (KTI) took part in the global World Cleanup Day celebration on Saturday by organizing a major cleanup exercise on its campus and surrounding areas. The event, which involved both students and staff, was designed to promote environmental cleanliness and raise awareness about proper waste management practices.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Gabriel Kingsford Osei, Principal of KTI, emphasized the importance of the program, stressing the need for continuous sanitation efforts in Ghanaian communities. According to him, the cleanup was not just about improving the immediate surroundings but also about instilling a lasting culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility in the students.
“We are here today not only to clean our environment but also to send a message to the entire community and country. The importance of sanitation cannot be overemphasized. A clean environment is essential for our health and well-being. This exercise should remind us all that keeping our surroundings clean is a collective responsibility,” Mr. Osei said.
*A Call for Regular Sanitation Practices**
Mr. Osei also called on Ghanaians to adopt regular sanitation habits, explaining that a clean environment contributes directly to public health and national development. He emphasized that environmental responsibility should not be limited to special occasions like World Cleanup Day.
“As Ghanaians, we need to embrace the culture of cleanliness and sanitation. It should not take an annual celebration like World Cleanup Day for us to tidy up our environment. Proper waste disposal and sanitation should be part of our daily routine. We all have a role to play in safeguarding our environment,” he added.
*Community Involvement and Collective Action**
The cleanup exercise saw enthusiastic participation from students, staff, local authorities, and community members. Participants engaged in desilting drains, sweeping streets, and removing garbage from public spaces in and around the school. The event reflected a shared commitment to addressing waste management issues and fostering environmental consciousness in the community.
World Cleanup Day is a global initiative that engages millions of volunteers in cleanup activities aimed at reducing pollution and waste. KTI’s event formed part of a nationwide movement in Ghana to promote sustainable waste management and environmental responsibility.
*A Lasting Lesson for Students*
In his concluding remarks, Mr. Osei urged students to carry the lessons learned from the cleanup event into their daily lives and communities. “Let us take the responsibility to educate others about the importance of keeping our environment clean. It starts with us,” he said.
The students, in turn, expressed their enthusiasm for the exercise. Many noted that participating in the event made them more aware of the environmental challenges their community faces and pledged to adopt better waste management practices in their everyday lives.
The World Cleanup Day initiative serves as a timely reminder that building a cleaner, healthier Ghana requires the active participation of everyone—from individuals to communities and institutions.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie (OTEC FM)
