Ghana's Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has directed Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to secure one-acre plots for the construction of waste transfer stations within 30 days. This move aims to improve waste collection and disposal, addressing infrastructure gaps that contribute to the country's sanitation challenges. The directive was announced during a National Sanitation Day exercise in Accra, marking World Cleanup Day on October 3.
The government plans to establish transfer stations across metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies. Additionally, Greater Accra, Greater Kumasi and Sekondi-Takoradi will be required to identify suitable locations for properly engineered landfill facilities. According to Mr Ayariga, the lack of adequate waste management infrastructure remains a major challenge, citing shortages of collection bins, waste trucks, transfer stations and properly managed landfill sites.
Many existing landfill facilities in Ghana are not properly engineered or managed, necessitating investment in new infrastructure. The Minister emphasized that the government's priority is to establish a more effective and efficient waste management system, in line with President John Dramani Mahama's directive. This initiative seeks to address the country's persistent sanitation problems.
The current open-bucket method of collecting waste will be phased out and replaced with floating waste bins to improve collection and ease the burden on sanitation workers. Mr Ayariga stressed that the use of open buckets for waste collection will no longer be tolerated. The new approach aims to enhance waste management and reduce health risks associated with improper waste handling.
To finance the needed waste management infrastructure, the Minister plans to engage the Finance Minister, Dr Ato Forson, on reducing unnecessary public expenditure. Potential areas for reduction include official travel and other non-essential government expenditure. Redirecting these funds could create fiscal space to support waste management initiatives.
The government is committed to addressing Ghana's sanitation problems by providing the necessary infrastructure for a sustainable waste management system. The Minister's directive to MMDCEs is part of a broader effort to improve waste collection, disposal and management. This initiative is expected to contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment.
The National Sanitation Day exercise in Accra was part of World Cleanup Day celebrations, highlighting the importance of community involvement in maintaining a clean environment. The government's efforts to improve waste management are expected to receive support from local communities and stakeholders. Effective waste management is crucial for Ghana's environmental and public health.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has given MMDCEs 30 days to secure land for waste transfer stations.
- The initiative aims to improve waste collection and disposal, addressing infrastructure gaps contributing to Ghana's sanitation challenges.
- The government plans to phase out the open-bucket method of collecting waste, replacing it with floating waste bins.
