Accra, Ghana’s bustling capital, is a city of contrast. 

It is known for its vibrant markets, rich cultural heritage, and rapid urbanisation, yet it is also grappling with an escalating sanitation crisis that threatens the health and wellbeing of its inhabitants. 

For many residents, navigating streets littered with garbage and contending with the stench of clogged drains, has become an unavoidable reality.

With a population exceeding thirty-four million, Accra’s infrastructure struggles to keep pace with its growth. This is not just a story of inconvenience, it is a tale of survival. Poor sanitation fuels outbreaks of diseases like cholera, typhoid, and malaria, placing an immense burden on families and the healthcare system. 

Choked drains 

According to a 2020 report by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly(AMA), Accra generates an estimated 3,000 tons of waste daily, yet only a fraction is collected. Much of it ends up in drains, clogging waterways and exacerbating the city’s perennial flooding problem. The infamous June 3, 2015 disaster where a combination of flooding and a fire at a fuel station claimed over 150 lives remains a tragic reminder of how poor sanitation can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Beyond the visible waste, plastic pollution is choking the environment. Rivers like the Korle Lagoon, once teeming with life, have turned into cesspools of debris and sludge. Environmentalists warn that the city is heading toward an ecological crisis if immediate action is not taken.

Seeking solutions

Efforts to address the sanitation crisis are ongoing, but progress is slow, governments roll out initiatives but implementation faces challenges, including limited funding.

Non-governmental Organisations and private waste management firms have also stepped in, with initiatives to promote recycling and proper waste disposal.

Despite the challenges, Accra’s sanitation crisis is not insurmountable. Cities like Kigali in Rwanda and Addis Ababa in Ethiopia have demonstrated that with strong political will, effective policies, and community engagement, it is possible to overcome such hurdles.

Managing waste

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Ankrah, spoke confidently about the improvements made in managing waste in Accra. He emphasised that compared to the past, where filth was rampant, the city is now doing much better in handling waste. 

“The AMA has effectively tackled the issue of illegal dumping, contributing to the ongoing effort to make Accra the cleanest city in the country” he stated.

Regarding the placement of litter bins in strategic locations across the city, Mr. Ankrah explained that this initiative has been implemented in the past and it is still an ongoing project. 

“The necessary equipment, such as trash trucks and other resources, are available to support this initiative” he added.

In addition, he stated that the AMA has introduced a street sweeping programme, where designated teams are tasked with regularly cleaning the streets and removing refuse. 

Mr. Ankrah reassured the public that the assembly is committed to providing the necessary logistics, manpower, and resources to ensure the success of these waste management efforts, ultimately contributing to the cleanliness of Accra.

Enforcement 

Currently, he observed, Accra has a sanitation court, which is an important step towards addressing the city's waste management challenges more effectively. The court, once fully operational, will play a key role in enforcing sanitation laws and prosecuting individuals who engage in harmful practices such as littering. 

This initiative he noted aims to ensure that people who disregard proper waste disposal practices are held accountable, helping to reduce the growing problem of litter in the city. Aside from the establishment of the sanitation court, significant improvements have been made in Accra's overall sanitation landscape.

 Appeal

Sanitation is a shared responsibility that goes beyond the actions of the government; it is a duty that lies with each and every citizen. While the government and local authorities, play a crucial role in providing the infrastructure, resources, and policies needed to manage waste, the ultimate success in maintaining cleanliness and good sanitation is the collective effort of the community.

Citizens are responsible for ensuring they dispose of their waste properly, using designated bins or waste collection services, and refraining from littering. The act of throwing rubbish on the streets or in unauthorised areas undermines all the efforts of the government and local assemblies to create a cleaner, healthier environment. It not only contributes to unsightly conditions but also leads to environmental degradation, health hazards, and the obstruction of drainage systems, which can result in flooding during rainy seasons.

Therefore, Mr Ankrah said it was essential for everyone to take personal responsibility for their surroundings. This includes making mindful choices about waste disposal, avoiding littering in public spaces, and being more conscious of the impact our actions have on the environment. 

“When citizens and the government work together, each doing their part, it becomes easier to foster a culture of cleanliness, pride in the community, and overall improved public health. By making sanitation everyone’s responsibility, we can ensure that Accra, and any city for that matter, remains a safe, clean, and sustainable place for current and future generations” the AMA PRO further stated.

Way forward

It is suggested that investing in infrastructure thus expanding and modernising waste disposal systems and drainage networks is essential.

Community engagement while educating citizens on proper waste disposal and encouraging community clean-up initiatives can also help reduce the burden.

Strict enforcement of sanitation laws or policies and regulations is needed to deter illegal dumping and littering as well as adopting technologies like recycling plants and biogas systems to transform waste into resources.

Addressing poor sanitation in Accra requires a collective effort from government agencies, private organisations, and residents. By prioritising sanitation, the city can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for its inhabitants.