Alhaji Collins Dauda, the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has commended the residents of the Sekondi/Takoradi for the massive voluntary turnout of residents for the national clean-up exercise.

He said the Western Region had, indeed, proven the point that, “The Best comes from the West.”

Alhaji Dauda gave the remarks after touring and participating in the monthly national event, which was hosted by the Western Region.

He said like the Upper East, the people of the Region had showed the way by taking a lead role and turning out in their numbers without compulsion to work.

The Minister joined the clean-up exercise at the Essikafoambatem Number One and Number Two, near the Central Business District of the STMA.

His two deputies: Mr. Emmanuel K. Agyekum and Nii Lante-Vanderpuye, however, joined residents in the northern and middle belts of the Region to clean up.

The Local Government Minister, who was touched by the enthusiasm of one Isaac Mensah, a young boy cleaning a gutter around the Societe General Bank area at Market Circle, dipped his hand into his pocket and gave him.

He said the younger generation must own the clean-up exercise, adding, "This boy's action tells me that there is hope for the future".

The Minister visited Kwesimintsim, Komfoase, Bungalowase, Essikado, Ngyirease, Essipon, Kojokrom and Sekondi market to access the progress of work.

Various groups of people, including Nana Kwesi Agyeman, the Vice-President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, entertainers like Mr Beautiful, and members of the security agencies all participated in the exercise.

Alhaji Dauda said consultation was ongoing as to whether a bye law should be enacted to compel people to take part in the exercise.

The Local Government Minister expressed gratitude to the Regional Coordinating Council, the STMA and the individuals and corporate bodies for making the event a successful one.

Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, the Western Regional Minister, however, expressed disappointment that none of the oil companies could support the exercise with logistics adding, "Even Newmont, which is far in the East, could help with tools and logistics".

He said the Region would continue to stand out in the performance of its responsibilities.

Mr. Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, the Central Regional Minister, who was there to lend his support, praised the orderly manner in which every activity was done.

The national sanitation exercise was initiated by the President to rid the country of filth to prevent diseases such as malarial and cholera cases.