Zoomlion fumigation exercise reaches Asafo and wider Kumasi communities

The Ashanti Region has undergone a nationwide fumigation and disinfection operation led by Zoomlion Ghana Limited in partnership with the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), with Asafo and several other Kumasi communities among those to benefit.

The exercise took place on Monday, 24 August, beginning early in the morning in Asafo in the Oforikrom Municipality. It was designed to target mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches and other disease-carrying pests commonly found in areas affected by flooding and poor sanitation.

The operation is also intended to support existing sanitation measures and reduce the health risks faced by residents, traders and other people working in the affected communities.

Within the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) area, teams carried out fumigation at a number of locations, including Asafo Zion, Korle Gate, Ahamadiya, Moshie Zongo, Buokurom MA School, Amakom market, Johovah Shaman sanitation site and Akotia line.

The KMA operation was also extended to Abrepo, Bantama, Santasi Zongo, Wamase and Fankyene Bra, providing wider coverage across the metropolis.

Speaking to the media, Ernest Osei, the Ashanti Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, said controlling pests was important in creating a healthier environment. He appealed to residents across the region to support the exercise by cleaning regularly and disposing of waste properly.

Usif Irani, the Oforikrom District Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, said fumigation was necessary to control harmful insects and pests in the Asafo community and to contribute to improved environmental sanitation.

He urged residents to co-operate with Zoomlion officials during the operation and to help keep their surroundings clean afterwards. Mr Irani said the long-term impact of the intervention would depend largely on the continued involvement of local people.

Residents and traders in Asafo welcomed the operation. Resident Osei Kofi expressed hope that the exercise would reduce the community’s persistent pest problems and help limit the spread of disease.

Food seller Mary Ankamah said the intervention was particularly important for traders because flies could contaminate food and put both sellers and customers at risk.

Another trader, Ama Gyamfua, called for proper sanitation and responsible rubbish disposal once the fumigation exercise had been completed.

Paa Solo, a Unit Committee Member in Oforikrom, urged residents to clear gutters and remove stagnant water, which can provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

According to him, “keep our environs clean should be a priority for all of us.”

David Oppong Darko, the Regional Environmental Officer, said fumigation alone would not be enough to maintain a healthy environment. He said the exercise needed to be supported by responsible waste management and regular cleaning.

Stakeholders agreed that continued community participation would be essential if the benefits of the operation were to be maintained and residents were to enjoy a safer and healthier environment.