MP prioritizes sanitation and environment

Mr Kwabena Appiah-Pinkrah, Member of Parliament for Akrofuom, in the Ashanti Region, is poised to team up with the constituents to prioritize sanitation and environmental protection.

Full of commendation for the constituents for the success of earlier projects, the legislator, in an interview with Ghana News Agency in Accra, was optimistic that the two current programmes, which he said, were very dear to his heart, would also be successful.

Mr Appiah-Pinkrah said he was leading a campaign against the Ebola disease and cholera, and has therefore initiated a public education programme within the constituency, in addition to improving the disposal of solid and liquid waste.

On Ebola, he said he had advised the constituents to minimize body contacts and handshakes, especially at funerals.

He said he was in discussions with the traditional authorities in the constituency, to consider making it a policy that funerals would be organized once a month, to reduce cost and travel time.

On the improvement of sanitation, the legislator, who is also a management development consultant and co-chair of the Ghana Parliamentarians against Hunger and Malnutrition, said a number of toilet facilities were either on-going or completed.

He cited, for instance, that two water closet toilet facilities had been completed at Akrofuom, and a KVIP at Amoakokrom, adding that other on-going KVIP projects are at Wamase, Sikaman and Kokoten.

“All these are being financed with the District Assemblies Common Fund, with support of local labour,” the MP said.

Mr Appiah Pinkrah urged residents to be vigilant, and arrest anyone who defecates in the open for prosecution.

On environmental pollution, the MP advised small-scale mining operators to get the necessary certification.

He said the water bodies upstream were full of alluvial gold, and invited investors in small-scale mining, to play by the rules of the game, to reduce threats to the environment.