Story By: Nana Kwasi Roka – Accra
PRESIDENT John Dramani Mahama has ordered a major 90-day operation to clear an estimated one million tonnes of accumulated waste at Agbogbloshie in Accra, as part of government’s efforts to restore sanitation and protect public health.
The exercise, according to the President, will deploy equipment under the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), including tipper trucks, excavators, bulldozers and wheel loaders to evacuate the waste from the area.
The operation will be supported by the Ghana Armed Forces, private road contractors, metropolitan and municipal assemblies, as well as other relevant state institutions.
President Mahama said the waste would be transported to the Adepa Engineered Landfill Site for proper disposal, with the entire exercise expected to be completed within approximately 90 days.
He described the operation as a decisive intervention to reclaim the heavily polluted area and restore environmental safety and dignity to one of Accra’s major commercial locations.
According to him, the reclaimed land will pave the way for the proposed Agbogbloshie Urban Land Renewal Project, which includes the establishment of an Industrial Park and a major textile factory.
The President said, the proposed developments would create employment opportunities, particularly for young people, while transforming the area into a productive economic hub.
President Mahama further directed the relevant authorities to put in place effective measures to prevent Agbogbloshie from becoming a dumping ground again after the clean-up exercise.
He stressed the importance of sustained enforcement, reliable waste collection systems and responsible waste disposal practices to ensure that the gains from the exercise are maintained.
The Agbogbloshie clean-up forms part of a broader nationwide waste management programme being pursued by the government.
The programme includes the distribution of household waste bins, the establishment of additional waste transfer stations, the development of engineered landfill facilities and increased investment in recycling capacity.
President Mahama has consequently appealed to residents, traders, motorists, businesses and other stakeholders to cooperate with the teams undertaking the exercise.
He said the success of the operation would require the collective commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that the area remains clean, safe and environmentally sustainable after the waste has been removed.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
