The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) is seeking €6 million to construct a new engineered landfill site to address the growing sanitation challenge in Kumasi, Ghana. The city generates over 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, putting considerable pressure on the assembly's finances. The existing landfill site, which serves 14 assemblies, was scheduled for closure in 2019 but remains in use due to the lack of an alternative disposal site.
The current landfill site poses significant operational challenges, particularly during the rainy season when vehicles transporting waste frequently get stuck, disrupting waste disposal operations. Moreover, waste generated from areas outside the Kumasi Metropolis is dumped at the facility without any financial contribution towards its maintenance.
The Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Richard Ofori Agyemang Boadi, appeared before Parliament's Committee on Local Government and Rural Development to discuss the 2025 Auditor-General's Report on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). He highlighted the difficulties faced by the assembly in managing the existing landfill site and emphasized the need for a new facility.
Mr. Boadi stated that the assembly is bearing the burden of waste generated by 14 assemblies, as well as refuse from areas outside Kumasi, whose authorities do not contribute financially to managing the facility. Despite these challenges, the assembly is taking steps to secure the necessary support, including engaging with relevant ministries to prepare a proposal for consideration by Cabinet.
The KMA has engaged the relevant ministries and is optimistic that a proposal will be prepared for consideration by Cabinet. Additionally, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has shown interest in addressing the sanitation problem, facilitating the involvement of a Canadian company to assess a potential site for the construction of a new landfill facility.
The Vice-Chairperson of the Committee and Member of Parliament (MP) for Agotime-Ziope, Mr. Charles Akwesi Agbeve, acknowledged the sanitation challenges confronting the assembly and urged the MCE to engage MPs within his jurisdiction to help develop lasting solutions. He also commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for his commitment to addressing the sanitation problem in Kumasi.
The government has pledged its support towards finding a lasting solution to the sanitation challenges in Kumasi. The KMA's efforts to secure funding for a new landfill site aim to address the city's growing waste management needs and mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with inadequate waste disposal.
Key points
- The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly seeks €6 million to construct a new engineered landfill site.
- Kumasi generates over 2,500 tonnes of waste daily, putting pressure on the existing landfill site.
- The existing landfill site was scheduled for closure in 2019 but remains in use due to the lack of an alternative disposal site.
