Shape Attitude Ghana and Effutu Development Committee Lead Major Beach Cleanup

Shape Attitude Ghana, in collaboration with the Effutu Development Committee and the Asafo companies of Winneba, organised a massive cleanup exercise along the Winneba beach on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, to promote environmental cleanliness and reduce the spread of sanitation-related diseases within the Effutu Municipality.

The cleanup activity brought together volunteers, community members, traditional authorities, and youth groups who worked collectively to remove filth, plastics, and other waste materials along the coastline. The initiative marked the first major project of the Effutu Development Committee since its formation and forms part of its broader mission to encourage civic responsibility and community-led development in Effutu.

The Reverend Atta Mensah

Speaking during the exercise, the Municipal Chief Executive of Effutu, The Reverend Atta Mensah, commended the Effutu Development Committee and its partners for their dedication to improving sanitation and ensuring a cleaner environment. He said the Assembly would continue to provide logistical and administrative support to ensure the sustainability of the project. The Reverend Mensah further disclosed that the exercise would not be a one-off activity but would become a regular feature of the municipality’s sanitation plan.

“This will not be a one-day event. It is going to be a culture and a continuous practice to make sure that the Winneba shore remains clean at all times. We are determined to eliminate open defecation and the indiscriminate dumping of refuse along our beaches. Plans are also underway to employ individuals who will maintain the shores daily to preserve the beauty and hygiene of our environment,” he stated.

Mr. Wonderful Baisie Ghartey

The Director of Shape Attitude Ghana, Mr. Wonderful Baisie Ghartey, expressed appreciation for the collaboration and emphasised the need for behavioural change among residents. He explained that poor sanitation often begins with a poor mindset and that Shape Attitude Ghana focuses on creating awareness and sensitising people to adopt positive attitudes towards the environment. Mr. Ghartey described the involvement of the Asafo companies in the cleanup as commendable, adding that their participation was a clear sign of community unity and responsibility.

“This initiative by the Effutu Development Committee is highly commendable. For the first time, we have seen the Asafo companies fully involved in an environmental exercise of this nature, which shows real commitment to community welfare. Going forward, I would encourage continued collaboration between the Asafo groups, the youth, and other stakeholders to maintain this positive momentum,” he noted.

Mr. Nicholas Ayitey Quaye

The General Secretary of the Effutu Development Committee, Mr. Nicholas Ayitey Quaye, explained that the Committee’s goal is to promote civic duty and community activism in order to drive local development. According to him, the cleanup exercise was the Committee’s first public project, serving as a way to introduce the group to the people of Effutu and demonstrate its commitment to social and environmental progress. He expressed gratitude to all sponsors and partners who contributed to the success of the exercise and encouraged others who could not participate to support future projects.

Mr. Samuel Baffoe (left) and Asafohene Amponsah (right)

Other participants, including Asafohene Amponsah of Tuafo Asafo Company Number One and Mr. Samuel Baffoe, the Premix Secretary at Effutu Beach, highlighted the health risks associated with poor sanitation, citing diseases such as cholera and malaria. They also called on government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and individuals to assist with tools and equipment such as rakes, wheelbarrows, shovels, and water supplies for volunteers.

Mr. Baffoe announced that the cleanup would not end with this single event but would be conducted every two weeks to maintain the cleanliness of the beach. He added that discussions were ongoing with local leaders to employ permanent workers who would oversee daily cleaning and prevent indiscriminate dumping along the coast.

The cleanup exercise forms part of a larger community-driven effort to make Winneba one of the cleanest coastal towns in Ghana. Through such collaborative initiatives, the Effutu Development Committee and Shape Attitude Ghana aim to foster a stronger sense of environmental stewardship among residents and ensure sustainable sanitation practices for a healthier community.