The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has directed all table-top businesses, hawkers and shop owners to temporarily suspend operations to make way for the May edition of the National Sanitation Day (NSD) clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, May 2.

The exercise, which will begin at 6:00 a.m. and continue until work is completed, will take place across the Accra Metropolis as part of efforts to improve environmental sanitation, protect public health, prevent flooding and promote collective responsibility for keeping the city clean.

In a press release signed by the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah on Tuesday, the Assembly said the focal areas for the clean-up exercise would include Agbogbloshie, the Central Business District (CBD), Guggisberg Avenue, Tuesday Market, Chorkor, Kaneshie, the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange and their environs.

The AMA said no trading activity would be permitted during the clean-up period, adding that all shops, stalls, table-top businesses and hawking activities were expected to remain suspended until the exercise was completed.

It said the directive formed part of measures to ensure full participation by traders, shop owners, hawkers, transport operators, food vendors, residents and other stakeholders in the May Day edition of the NSD exercise.

The Assembly explained that activities to be carried out during the exercise would include sweeping of streets, clearing of road curbs, desilting and clearing of drains, removal of refuse from market areas and general cleaning of public spaces, especially around markets, streets, lanes and drains.

It noted that the exercise was particularly important as the rainy season approached, stressing that keeping drains, markets and public spaces clean would help ensure the free flow of water and reduce the risk of flooding in the city.

The statement said sustained public participation in sanitation exercises remained critical to preventing disease outbreaks, preserving public spaces, reducing flooding and improving the image of the national capital.

It stressed that enforcement would be a key component of the exercise and warned that persons who failed to participate, obstructed the exercise or engaged in trading activities during the clean-up period would be sanctioned in accordance with the relevant bye-laws.

The Assembly said Assembly Members were also expected to lead clean-up exercises in their respective electoral areas to ensure effective coordination and encourage active community participation.

It urged all residents, traders, transport operators, shop owners, hawkers, food vendors and other stakeholders to actively participate in the exercise on Saturday, May 2, and support efforts to build a cleaner, healthier, safer and more orderly Accra.

The AMA  appealed to the public to uphold proper waste disposal practices at all times, adding that environmental cleanliness required sustained collective effort beyond the monthly sanitation exercise.