On Friday, September 18, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama initiated the evacuation of waste heaps from Agbogloshie in Accra to the Adepa Engineered Landfill Sites near Nsawam. This exercise aims to facilitate the establishment of an industrial park at Agbogloshie, creating jobs for Ghana's unemployed youth. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces and the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP), is carrying out the initiative with funding support from the Ministry of Finance and the District Assemblies Common Fund.
An estimated one million tonnes of garbage is to be moved, according to a drone AI assessment. The entire operation is expected to be completed within 90 days. President Mahama noted that Agbogloshie has been a painful reminder of Ghana's sanitation challenges for over two decades. The site has accumulated waste, discarded plastics, electronic equipment, and other waste, forming a mountain that threatens public health, degrades the environment, and undermines the dignity of surrounding communities.
The President stated that the situation poses a daily risk to the health of people living in Old Fadama, Agbogloshie, Abossey Okai, and neighboring areas. The waste affects the air they breathe, working conditions, and the environment in which their children grow. Furthermore, waste enters the Odaw River and the Korle Lagoon, obstructs the drainage system, and worsens the risks of flooding with devastating consequences for lives, homes, and livelihoods.
President Mahama emphasized that a clean, safe, and resilient capital cannot be achieved while such a situation continues. He expressed satisfaction with the commencement of the evacuation exercise, marking an important step in restoring order, improving sanitation, and reclaiming the city. The President highlighted that the exercise demonstrates Ghana's capacity to work together to address longstanding national challenges.
The exercise involves deploying heavy equipment secured under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), including tipper tracks, excavators, bulldozers, and wheel loaders. The Ministry of Finance is providing funding, with additional support from the District Assemblies Common Fund. The Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs is leading the exercise with operational and engineering support from the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the 48 Engineers Regiment.
The evacuation forms part of a broader programme to transform the Agbogloshie area. The objective is to remove a longstanding public health hazard and create conditions for lasting improvements. Clearing the site will make way for the proposed Agbogloshie Urban Land Renewal Project, which includes establishing a major textile factory to provide employment for Ghana's young people. The evacuated waste will be transported to the Adepa Engineered Landfill for control, disposal, compaction, and covering with appropriate environmental safeguards.
President Mahama commended the ministers involved for advancing an approach that makes effective use of existing equipment and institutions. He urged the people of Old Fadama and Agbogloshie to cooperate with the military personnel, DRIP operators, and assembly teams during the exercise. The operation will be carried out responsibly, with major haulage taking place at night in accordance with the 24-Hour Economy Initiative.
Key points
- President Mahama has initiated the evacuation of one million tonnes of waste from Agbogloshie to the Adepa Engineered Landfill Sites near Nsawam.
- The exercise aims to establish an industrial park at Agbogloshie, creating jobs for Ghana's unemployed youth.
- The operation is expected to be completed within 90 days with funding support from the Ministry of Finance and the District Assemblies Common Fund.
