Frederick Faustinous Faidoo, the Mayor of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), has rejected accusations of mismanagement regarding the metropolis's poor sanitation. He attributes the deteriorating conditions to inadequate funding and inherited structural challenges in waste management. This comes after sharp criticism from the Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson and Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim, who gave the Assembly two weeks to improve sanitation.
Mayor Faidoo stated the STMA inherited a waste management system without basic equipment. He noted the Assembly did not possess a single waste collection truck when he took office. The Mayor explained that the statutory allocation of 10 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for sanitation is insufficient. This allocation must cover both general waste collection and the expensive maintenance of the engineered landfill site at Sofokrom.
This situation points to broader issues regarding funding and operational capacity for local government bodies in Ghana. Many metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies (MMDAs) face similar resource constraints in service delivery. Ghana's urban centers grapple with mounting waste, often overwhelming existing infrastructure and budgets. The allocation of the DACF, a major source of funding for MMDAs, frequently falls short of their diverse expenditure needs.
Mayor Faidoo told a news conference that managing the Sofokrom landfill site is a very expensive undertaking. He asserted that the current amount allocated for sanitation would not even be enough to manage the landfill. This highlights the specific financial strain on STMA, which manages a critical regional waste facility. Previously, the number of waste containers serviced by Zoomlion, a waste management company, significantly decreased under a renewed contract. This occurred despite an increase in payments, leaving many containers unserviced.
The STMA now faces pressure to demonstrate tangible improvements within the two-week ultimatum set by the Local Government Minister. Decision-makers in central government and local assemblies will monitor the STMA's response closely. This situation could prompt a re-evaluation of funding mechanisms and contractual arrangements for waste management across Ghana. Local residents demand a cleaner environment and will watch for clear progress from the Assembly.
The criticism from regional and local government officials underscores the urgency of addressing sanitation issues in Sekondi-Takoradi. Overflowing refuse containers and poor environmental conditions have become a public concern. The Mayor’s defence highlights the complex financial and historical factors contributing to these urban challenges. The STMA has since acquired two waste collection trucks and increased containers serviced directly by the Assembly. The Assembly also plans to engage tricycle operators, known as “aboboyaa” riders, for door-to-door waste collection.
Despite these efforts, the Mayor stressed that waste management is a shared responsibility, not solely resting with the Assembly. He encouraged residents to practice source segregation, separating plastics, paper, and organic materials at home. This practice reduces pressure on landfills and creates opportunities for recycling, contributing to a circular economy. The recurring sight of overflowing refuse containers stems from inadequate equipment and logistics. The STMA had only one functioning waste-lifting truck for many containers until recently. The Assembly has intensified efforts to clear old dumps and tackle sanitation hotspots.