Military to secure cleared Korle Lagoon dumpsites to prevent illegal dumping

The Ghanaian government plans to enlist military personnel to oversee and protect cleared waste sites around the Korle Lagoon in Accra, according to a recent announcement by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga. The initiative aims to deter residents and waste operators from returning to the cleared areas to dump refuse, as the presence of soldiers would serve as a deterrent and ensure the lasting sanitation benefits of the waste evacuation exercise.

Ayariga emphasized that if no supervision is provided, residents would likely resume dumping activities in the cleared areas. The operation, which will require significant logistical support, including military personnel, heavy-duty equipment, and contract labor, is being carried out to address the long-standing issue of waste accumulation around the Korle Lagoon and to enhance sanitation in the capital city.

Waste collected from the cleared sites will be transported to the Adepa Waste Management Centre in Nsawam, Eastern Region, which possesses a daily processing capacity of 1,500 to 1,700 tonnes of waste. The government is collaborating with contractors to supply the necessary equipment and personnel, particularly during weekends, as the exercise will not involve military service on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ayariga stated that the government is coordinating the efforts of the military, contractors, and waste-management operators to ensure the success of the operation and prevent any renewed dumping. He added that he would inform President John Dramani Mahama about the arrangements and that the government is exploring ways to carry out the exercise at minimal cost to the state, thus underlining the importance of securing the cleared areas to preserve the gains achieved through the waste evacuation efforts.