Konongo: An Assistant Director at the Asante-Akim Central Municipal Assembly, Mr. Agyei Boadi, has expressed concern over the growing apathy toward communal labour among residents. He described the situation as a major setback to collective efforts aimed at building sustainable, resilient, and hygienic communities.

According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Boadi lamented the poor turnout of community members during a clean-up exercise to mark World Environment Day in Konongo, despite the wide invitation extended to various stakeholders. The exercise, organised by the Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), saw participation mainly from workers in public institutions.

Despite invitations sent to transport unions, civil society organisations, political parties, the clergy, and traditional leaders, their response was minimal, with most failing to attend. What was even more disappointing, Mr. Boadi noted, was the public’s indifference.

However, essential service providers such as the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and Ghana National Fire Service made time to join the clean-up effort, demonstrating their commitment to the cause. Stakeholders such as food vendors, transport operators, traders, and shop owners looked on passively while government workers cleaned gutters and tidied up the Konongo Lorry Park and the central business district.

Mr. Boadi described the lack of public involvement as both disheartening and unacceptable, especially since those who failed to participate stood to benefit directly from the improved sanitation. ‘We are here to help develop the municipality, but if the locals refuse to participate, our efforts will yield minimal results,’ he stressed.

Mr. Boadi condemned the attitude of residents who continued with their businesses while public sector workers undertook the clean-up, calling for a change in mindset and a renewed sense of civic responsibility. ‘This is very bad and must be condemned,’ he lamented.