The Krowor Municipality witnessed a unique blend of cultural solidarity and environmental action on Saturday March 7, 2026 as members of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) joined local residents for a massive cleanup exercise at Ananse Beach.

The event, which officially launched Francophone Month in Ghana, introduced the community to Umuganda, a traditional Rwandan practice of mandatory community service that translates to “coming together in common purpose to achieve an outcome.”

The activity, organised under the auspices of the OIF, was led by the Rwanda High Commission in Ghana as Rwanda’s contribution to the month-long celebrations.

Diplomats, local authorities, residents of the Krowor Municipality and members of the diplomatic community took part in the exercise, which aimed to promote environmental cleanliness and strengthen the spirit of solidarity among Francophone countries and their partners in Ghana.

Participants collected large amounts of plastic and other waste materials from the beach during the clean-up exercise.

Speaking at the event, Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Rosemary Mbabazi, explained that Umuganda is one of Rwanda’s most successful home-grown solutions that has played a key role in building cleaner communities and fostering social cohesion.

She noted that the initiative encourages citizens to dedicate time to communal service, particularly activities that improve the environment and support community development.

According to her, bringing Umuganda to Ghana as part of Francophone Month celebrations reflects Rwanda’s commitment to sharing practical solutions that promote collective responsibility and sustainable development.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Ambassador to Ghana and Dean of OIF Member Countries in Ghana, Assiélou Félix Tanon, commended the initiative, noting that the Francophonie represents more than the promotion of the French language.

“Through Umuganda and other activities planned this month, we are confirming that the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie is about more than language,” he said.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Krowor, Paul Afotey Quaye, also welcomed the initiative and thanked the organisers for selecting the municipality for the exercise.

He stressed the importance of partnerships in addressing sanitation challenges and encouraged residents to play their part in keeping their environment clean.