The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) reports a severe shortage of landfill sites in Greater Accra. This shortage causes growing piles of uncollected refuse across the region, including at Kaneshie Market. The situation creates significant challenges for waste management service providers.
Traders and residents near Kaneshie Market have raised alarms about an overflowing refuse container. They warn of serious health risks and negative impacts on business activities. The lack of adequate disposal infrastructure forces waste collection companies to travel long distances, delaying service.
This issue reflects a broader challenge in Ghana's urban development. Rapid urbanisation and population growth have dramatically increased daily waste generation. However, the necessary infrastructure for waste management has not kept pace. This mismatch strains public health and sanitation efforts in the capital.
Ama Ofori Antwi, Executive Secretary of ESPA, confirmed the problem. She stated that final disposal sites are a key issue for both formal and informal operators. Ms. Ofori Antwi highlighted that currently, only the Adepa and Tema landfills are operational. These two sites must serve the entire Greater Accra Metropolitan Area for waste disposal.
The shortage of nearby landfill sites significantly increases turnaround time for waste collection vehicles. Waste contractors must travel up to 90 kilometres to dispose of refuse. This extended travel makes it difficult for them to return quickly to communities for further collections. The ongoing rainy season further complicates operations, making roads to disposal sites harder to access.
The current situation has direct implications for public health and economic activity in Greater Accra. Uncollected refuse fosters unsanitary conditions, increasing disease risks for residents. Businesses, like those at Kaneshie Market, suffer from reduced foot traffic and an unappealing environment. Improved waste management is crucial for maintaining public health and supporting local economies.
ESPA has urged immediate investment in waste management infrastructure. Ms. Ofori Antwi specifically called for the establishment of additional engineered landfill sites within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. Such investments would enhance efficiency in waste collection and help address the escalating refuse situation. Decision-makers and local authorities will need to prioritise these infrastructure developments to mitigate the growing crisis. The market may see increased operational costs for waste disposal if new solutions are not found soon.