Mahama charges AMA, other Assemblies to intensify sanitation enforcement

President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, and other local authorities to ramp up efforts to prevent further littering at the reclaimed Agbogbloshie site. Mahama emphasized that the effectiveness of the current waste removal initiative will not solely be judged by the quantity of accumulated trash removed, but also by the ability of local authorities to maintain cleanliness and avoid the site from becoming a dumping ground once more.

During the inauguration of the National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise on September 18, 2026, Mahama called upon the assemblies to collaborate with traditional rulers, community leaders, and security forces to safeguard the reclaimed land and ensure that sanitation rules are consistently implemented. He stressed that enforcement must be strict, equitable, and persistent, with appropriate measures put into action while the evacuation operation is still underway.

Mahama explained that Agbogbloshie waste disposal exercise is a component of the government's broader initiative to restore order, enhance public health, and repurpose degraded urban areas for productive use. He disclosed that the cleared site would be utilized for the proposed Agbogbloshie Urban Renewal Project, which includes developing sections of the reclaimed land into an industrial zone to stimulate economic activity and generate employment opportunities.

The President also disclosed that government has mobilized heavy machinery, trucks, and personnel for the exercise, but underscored the importance of sustaining the progress through stronger local enforcement.

Furthermore, Mahama announced that equipment from the District Roads Improvement Project (DRIP), which was allocated for the Agbogbloshie operation, will subsequently be transferred to other districts and municipalities to assist in similar waste evacuation exercises. As part of the comprehensive waste management program, the government also intends to provide household waste bins, additional transfer stations, engineered landfill facilities, and improved recycling infrastructure.

Mahama urged residents, traders, businesses, and transport operators to assume responsibility for proper waste disposal and contribute to keeping streets, rivers, lagoons, markets, roadsides, and other public areas clean. He stressed that Ghana cannot persist in spending public funds repeatedly clearing the same waste dumps, highlighting that lasting improvements in sanitation necessitate sustained enforcement and responsible conduct from citizens.