Staff of L’Oréal West Africa in Accra have undertaken a cleanup exercise at the La Beach as part of this year’s edition of their annual charity drive, Citizen’s Day. Since 2010, L’Oréal has mobilised its staff on Citizen’s Day to devote one working day in a year towards making a difference in communities across the markets they operate in.

Over the years, communities in over 70 countries have benefited from the Citizen’s Day drive with more than 28,000 volunteers taking part worldwide.

This year’s cleanup exercise is in line with Ghana’s Environmental Sanitation Policy which calls for community participation in ensuring good sanitation for all citizens. In particular, the Policy calls for community based organisations to assist District Assemblies, Town Councils, and communities in the planning, funding and development of community sanitation infrastructure for the safe disposal of waste.

Considering the particular challenge beaches in Accra face with solid waste and pollution, L’Oréal staff focused on the clearing of plastics and the proper disposal of waste at the beach.

In addition, the company installed dustbins along the beach and its environs to help in the management and reduction of waste which will in turn beautify the beach.

Speaking to the media during the cleanup exercise, Mr. Sekou Coulibaly, General Manager of L’Oréal West Africa said, “It’s an honour for us to contribute to the beautification of this iconic beach. As practitioners of beauty here at L’Oréal, the focus of this year’s Citizen’s Day drive is especially fitting, as it exemplifies our commitment to contribute to the aesthetic values that make us great as a people both on the inside and out.

He added, “We are proud of the difference we have made in lives over the years as a result of the Citizen’s Day initiative and look forward to more years of giving back.”

In previous years, L’Oréal West Africa staff in Ghana have marked Citizen’s Day by undertaking initiatives such as the building and refurbishment of the Hair Academy at the Demonstration School for the Deaf, Mampong, Akuapim, the refurbishment of the ICC centre at the Marteytsuru Presby Basic School near the Spintex Road, economic empowerment for women with physical challenges in collaboration with the Ghana Federation for the Disabled, as well as donations of various products from brands in the L’Oréal Group.