Alhaji Collins Dauda, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, has tasked Ghanaians to own the monthly clean-up exercise introduced by President Mahama to help do away with filth in the country.

He said "citizens must therefore assume ownership of this laudable project to make it long lasting, whilst ensuring cleaner communities.

Alhaji Dauda made the remarks at a press conference in Takoradi to interact with the Western Regional media on the upcoming exercise to be hosted in the Region, and said sensitization, commitment, involvement and massive participation of all the citizenry, was imperative.

The national clean-up exercise was initiated by the President against the backdrop of incessant cholera cases that engulfed the whole country last year.

The Local Government Minister said, already five regions had hosted the event with the Western Region, being the sixth in the series.

Alhaji Dauda announced that the Region had been divided into three groups: coastal, western and northern belts where courtesies would be paid to the traditional authorities to solicit their support.

He said aside the provision of equipment by local assemblies, the ministry had given thousands of dust bins, wheel barrows, rakes, cutlasses and wellington boots, among others, to ensure effective work.

Mr. Paul. Aidoo, Western Regional Minister, entreated residents of the region to take active part in the clean-up exercise, and mentioned that all the securities agencies, national service personnel, market women and other bodies had been tasked to assist.

Mr. Aidoo added that the metropolis had been zoned into six areas, Essipon, Essikado, Kojokrom, Market circle and Ngyiresea.