The Gbese Traditional Council (GTC) in collaboration with the British High Commission has organised a cleanup exercise at the shoreline of Mensah Guinea, a community located behind the Art Centre in Accra.

The exercise which was supported by the Aqua Africa, Trashy Bags and Zoomlion was aimed at keeping the coastline clean.

Protected with hand gloves and nose masks, the exercise saw the staff of the high commission and partners as well as residents of the Ga community removing plastics and other waste materials from the beach.

They also used tools such as rakes, waste collection bags, and wheelbarrows to facilitate the cleaning exercise.

Speaking to the media, the Development Director for the United Kingdom Foreign   Commonwealth and Development Office, MsBeth Cadman, said the beach clean-up exercise was part of activities to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III on Saturday, May 6.

She said the exercise also aimed at giving back to the community, adding that it was a partnership with the Ga community to try and make the area a better space for everyone.

She mentioned that there was a commitment between her outfit and the paramountcy to reduce the impact of plastics on the communities.

The AgbogbloshieMantse, Nii Armah Okpah II, who spoke on behalf of the GbeseMantse said the plastics and other waste materials scattered along the beach were washed into the sea whenever it rains.

“But the GbeseMantse, NiiAyi-Bonte II, has  collaborated with the  British High Commission to start a  clean-up exercise within the  Ga  communities to make Accra the  cleanest  city,”  he said.

Nii Okpah II said the land had been taken over by squatters who have contributed to the filth along the beachadding that the traditional council together with the government and Zoomlionwould ensure they keep the beach and their environment clean.

He mentioned that the Waste Management Department of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) would be engaged in the next exercise to ensure the residents keep their surroundings clean adding that “those who refuse to abide by the sanitation laws will be penalised.”