The decision was taken during a recent Executive Committee where officials resolved to move from voluntary compliance to firm enforcement of existing by-laws.

Under the new measures, residents and business owners who fail to comply with sanitation regulations will face sanctions. These include spot fines for individuals who refuse to participate in clean up exercises and possible closure of shops that do not observe National Sanitation Day activities.

The Assembly has also made it mandatory for all shops to provide litter bins. Failure to comply could result in prosecution. In a bid to ensure compliance; the Assembly is considering deploying security personnel, including the military, to monitor sanitation exercises in key public areas such as markets and lorry stations.

Officials say the move is necessary to enforce discipline and ensure that sanitation rules are strictly followed.The enforcement drive also targets congestion in the municipality. Measures include vehicle clamping for illegal parking and the removal of unauthorized structures that obstruct movement within the town. Authorities believe these steps will improve traffic flow and create a more organized urban environment.

The Assembly is also linking sanitation to public health by promoting measures such as dog vaccination against rabies and increasing public education on hygiene practices.

In addition to penalties, the Assembly plans to reward communities that demonstrate high standards of cleanliness, as part of efforts to encourage voluntary participation.

Officials say the tougher stance is due to persistent challenges, including indiscriminate waste disposal, low participation in clean-up exercises, and weak enforcement of existing regulations.

The Assembly maintains that the new approach is necessary to transform Bolgatanga into a cleaner and more orderly municipality. However, residents are expected to adjust to stricter enforcement and increased accountability.