More than 200 young volunteers took to the streets of Wa to clean markets, public spaces and major drainage channels as part of a community service campaign aimed at promoting patriotism, civic responsibility and environmental cleanliness.
The exercise was organised by the Upper West Regional Secretariat of the National Youth Authority (NYA) in collaboration with the Wa Municipal Assembly as part of activities marking National Youth Month and the upcoming International Youth Day celebration on August 12.
Participants drawn from youth organisations, including the Airborne Cadet, cadet corps of Wa Senior High School and Wa Technical Institute, the Ghana Scout Association, Curious Minds Ghana and She Leads, cleaned designated public areas and desilted gutters along principal streets in the municipality.
Speaking after the exercise, Upper West Regional Director of the NYA, Vida Addi, said the initiative was intended to encourage young people to actively contribute to community development through volunteerism and environmental stewardship.
“What we have done today is to show patriotism to our nation. We have over 200 young people cleaning our markets and other public places just to keep our community clean,” she said.
Mrs Addi urged participants to maintain the spirit of volunteerism beyond the commemorative event and continue serving their communities throughout the year.
She noted that community service remained one of the most practical ways for young people to demonstrate their commitment to national development and social responsibility.
The exercise received support from the Ghana Police Service, whose personnel were present to ensure order during the activity.
Wisdom Kankpenuba, Secretary General of the Ghana Taekwondo Federation, said the involvement of cadet groups reflected efforts to develop disciplined and responsible young citizens through practical community engagement.
He emphasised that sanitation should become a daily responsibility for all residents rather than an activity reserved for periodic campaigns.
Umar Saeed Sidibe, a volunteer with Curious Minds Ghana, described the exercise as an important initiative that complemented the organisation’s Clean Green Work project, which promotes plastic waste management and healthier communities.
“When an organisation is pursuing the same objective that you believe in, the best thing is to support it so that together you achieve a common goal,” he said.
The NYA has designated August as National Youth Month to encourage youth participation in national development through volunteerism, civic engagement and leadership.
This year’s celebration is on the theme: “Rebuilding Values, Inspiring Patriotism, Empowering the Youth in the Digital Age.”
