The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court has convicted a coconut seller for illegally dumping coconut husks into a public drain at Bubuashie, imposing a fine of 30 penalty units or a three-month jail term in default.
The convict, Prince Nyame, was arrested on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, by officers of the AMA with support from security personnel after he was allegedly caught dumping a large quantity of coconut husks into a drain behind Accra Academy at Bubuashie. The Assembly said his actions contravened the AMA 2017 Sanitation By-laws, which prohibit the indiscriminate disposal of waste into drains and other unauthorized places.
According to the Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, Nyame initially pleaded not guilty when he first appeared before the Sanitation Court and was granted bail under conditions set by the court. However, upon his subsequent appearance, he changed his plea to guilty, leading to his conviction.
The court consequently sentenced him to pay 30 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢360, or serve three months’ imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.
Commenting on the conviction, the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, described the indiscriminate dumping of coconut husks and other solid waste into drains as a major contributor to blocked drainage systems, flooding and poor sanitation within the capital.
He noted that coconut sellers generate substantial quantities of husks daily and are expected to properly collect, store and dispose of the waste through approved waste management service providers rather than dumping it into drains and public spaces.
The Mayor warned traders against using drains, road shoulders, pavements and other public areas as refuse disposal sites, stressing that such acts constitute offences under the Assembly’s sanitation by-laws.
He further announced that the AMA would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations across the metropolis to identify and prosecute persons who engage in indiscriminate waste disposal.
Mr. Allotey also urged coconut sellers and other food vendors to provide suitable waste receptacles at their trading locations and make proper arrangements for the regular evacuation of waste generated from their businesses.
He appealed to residents to support the Assembly’s sanitation efforts by reporting persons who dump refuse into drains and other unauthorized locations, stressing that collective action is essential to keeping Accra clean, safe and resilient against flooding.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
