On Friday, 6 November 2026, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh addressed the Ghanaian Parliament, demanding explanations from the government on a reported plan to relocate waste from Agbogbloshie's to a facility in Nsawam, his constituency. He questioned why the government chose Nsawam when a major waste treatment facility already exists at Amasaman. Annoh-Dompreh stressed that the environmental and public health concerns of his constituents needed to be addressed before implementing the relocation plan.
Annoh-Dompreh revealed that he had previously raised the issue privately with the Majority Leader before bringing it to the floor of Parliament. He urged the Majority Leader to arrange for the minister responsible for local government to appear before the House and account for the policy. The MP emphasized that decisions with potential consequences for a community should not proceed without proper consultation and explanation to those affected.
The proposed relocation plan has already faced opposition from residents of the Nsawam area, who expressed concerns about the potential environmental and health impacts of receiving waste transported from Agbogbloshie. The residents addressed the media last month, voicing their concerns over the proposal. The Jospong Group of Companies, a major player in Ghana's waste management sector, reportedly intervened after the community's concerns became public.
Agbogbloshie has long been associated with waste management challenges, with successive administrations attempting to address these issues through relocation and redevelopment plans. Annoh-Dompreh used his remarks to reject attempts to intimidate him over his opposition to the proposed relocation, stating, "You cannot intimidate me. You cannot intimidate me," and vowing to continue pressing for answers on behalf of his constituents.
The decision to select Nsawam over Amasaman remains unclear, with Annoh-Dompreh seeking answers from the government on which ministry or agency is driving this decision. He wants the government to provide explanations when the local government minister appears before the House. The MP's intervention in Parliament follows opposition from residents and highlights the need for transparency and community engagement in waste management decisions.
Annoh-Dompreh's concerns are centered on the potential consequences of relocating waste from Agbogbloshie to Nsawam, particularly given the existing waste treatment facility at Amasaman. He argues that it is logical to utilize the Amasaman facility instead of Nsawam. The government is expected to provide clarity on its decision-making process and engage with the affected communities to address their concerns.
The issue highlights the complexities of waste management in Ghana, particularly in urban areas like Accra. The government's plan to relocate waste from Agbogbloshie to Nsawam has sparked debate, with stakeholders emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the country's waste management challenges. Annoh-Dompreh's efforts to hold the government accountable reflect the concerns of his constituents and the broader community.
Key points
- Annoh-Dompreh demands explanations from the government on the plan to relocate Agbogbloshie waste to Nsawam.
- The proposed relocation plan has faced opposition from Nsawam residents due to environmental and health concerns.
- Annoh-Dompreh rejects attempts to intimidate him over his opposition to the proposed relocation.
