Finance Ministry to fund national waste evacuation from Common Fund – Ato Forson

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minister for Finance, confirmed today that the government will finance the National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF). At the launch of the exercise by President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Forson emphasized that this initiative exemplifies value for money and aligns with the Reset Agenda pledged to Ghanaians.

"Mr. President, when the Honourable Minister for Local Government visited me two weeks ago, he informed me there is a mountain of waste in the middle of Accra and there is an urgent need to clear it. But interestingly, he came with a plan that is cost-effective – a plan that will cost the taxpayer less," Dr. Forson stated.

According to Dr. Forson, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, suggested utilizing existing DRIP machines, with the funding requirement limited to fuel, per diem, and maintenance costs. The President approved the funding arrangement, and the Finance Minister announced that the Ministry of Roads and Highways has secured more than 200 tipper trucks from road contractors to assist in the evacuation.

The evacuation process will predominantly occur at night to minimize traffic congestion in Accra, with restricted daytime movement. Dr. Forson assured the Local Government Ministry that ongoing financial support will be provided, including budget allocations for constructing modern landfill sites in major cities to permanently tackle Ghana's sanitation issues.

The National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Local Government, the Ghana Armed Forces, and DRIP, focusing on clearing the notorious waste dump at Agbogbloshie.