The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has unveiled two new refuse compactor trucks, acquired at a total cost of GHS 2.4 million, to significantly improve waste collection and sanitation services across the capital. This strategic investment aims to reduce the accumulation of refuse in Accra, a persistent challenge for the city.
These six-wheel-drive, rear-loading trucks were commissioned by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, at a ceremony held at the AMA headquarters. Each truck boasts a carrying capacity of approximately 20 cubic metres and a compaction ratio between 3:1 and 4:1. They also feature a payload capacity of 9,500 to 10,000 kilogrammes, equipped with manual, electric, and wireless remote-control operating systems for enhanced efficiency in waste management operations.
This acquisition comes as Accra continues to grapple with substantial waste management issues, exacerbated by its role as Ghana's commercial hub. The city generates refuse not only from its residents but also from a large influx of traders, commuters, and visitors from across the Greater Accra region and other parts of the country. The AMA's move to purchase its own equipment signals a shift from its previous reliance on expensive rented services and private waste-management companies, a practice deemed unsustainable by Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey.
Minister Ahmed Ibrahim commended the AMA for improving service delivery despite inheriting significant financial and legal challenges, including garnished accounts and judgement debts. He acknowledged the acquisition as a positive step but stressed that two trucks alone would not suffice for the capital's sanitation demands. Mr. Ibrahim urged the Assembly to acquire at least five or six more refuse compactors to adequately address the city's needs. He also called for stronger collaboration between central government, metropolitan assemblies, and private waste-management companies, highlighting that neither sector can tackle the challenge in isolation.
The Minister further appealed to neighbouring municipal assemblies to invest in their own sanitation equipment, reducing their dependence on the AMA for waste collection. He assured the AMA of continued support from the Ministry, recognizing the unique sanitation burden it carries as the authority responsible for the capital's central business district. Residents were also encouraged to report indiscriminate dumping of refuse via the Assembly's hotline, 0544 914 628, to facilitate prompt enforcement actions.
Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for providing funds to support the Assembly's sanitation and development programmes. He revealed that the AMA did not own any refuse compactors when he assumed office, relying heavily on rented equipment. The Mayor emphasized that the continuous rental of sanitation equipment was costly and unsustainable, necessitating the Assembly to build its own fleet. He also underscored that sanitation management should transcend administrative boundaries, with all metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies sharing responsibility for keeping the capital clean. To address concerns about equipment maintenance, Mr. Allotey disclosed plans to establish the AMA's own mechanical workshop to maintain its growing fleet of sanitation vehicles and equipment.