Accra is facing a potential health crisis as all landfill sites in the city have reached full capacity, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has warned. This alarming situation was brought to light during a recent working visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Sanitation and Water Resources to the Greater Accra Region.
Engineer Solomon Noi, the Director of Waste Management at the AMA, explained that the problem stems from the lack of engineered landfill sites and inadequate waste disposal infrastructure in the city. Previously, waste was dumped at Nsumia in Ga West, a quarry site, but once that location was filled, operations moved to Nsawam. The site eventually became overburdened and is now privately managed by West Landforce. The only engineered site currently available is in Kpone, while a new site is being considered at Ayidan in the Ga South Municipality.
Mr. Noi highlighted the significant environmental risks associated with these unregulated sites. As the landfills overflow, waste, particularly leachate, seeps into rivers and other depressions, ultimately making its way back into the city, especially during the rainy season. "What we are doing is collecting waste from Accra and sending it far away, but it’s not really far enough. These sites are not engineered. So, when it rains, the leachate seeps into rivers and depressions, and it finds its way back to the city," he explained.
The AMA is also concerned about the health hazards posed by improperly managed medical and sanitary waste. Much of this waste ends up mingling with general refuse, creating further public health risks. According to Mr. Noi, the role of waste pickers, many of whom are migrants from neighbouring countries, contributes to the spread of infections such as cholera and typhoid.
To prevent further public health issues, Mr. Noi recommended the construction of a modern intermediate waste treatment facility, such as a state-of-the-art incineration plant. This facility would handle non-recyclable materials like baby diapers, sanitary pads, and healthcare waste, ensuring that pathogens are destroyed before the waste is sent to a landfill site.
The AMA's warnings come at a critical time, and without immediate action, Accra risks facing severe health consequences. The city urgently needs improved waste management strategies to safeguard public health and prevent a potential outbreak of diseases.
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