An aspiring National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Malik Adama, has called for the reintroduction of sanitation inspectors and the provision of more public waste bins across Accra, saying effective waste management is key to addressing Ghana’s perennial flooding problem.
Speaking in an interview, Hon. Adama argued that while citizens are often criticised for indiscriminate waste disposal, government and local authorities must also provide the necessary infrastructure to enable people to dispose of refuse responsibly.
According to him, the shortage of public waste bins in many parts of the capital contributes significantly to littering, as residents are left with limited options for proper waste disposal. He noted that one could walk several hundred metres in some areas without finding a single public dustbin.
To improve sanitation, he proposed the installation of durable perforated metal waste bins that would allow rainwater to drain through while remaining suitable for public use. He said such bins would be more practical during the rainy season and help improve waste collection.
Hon. Adama maintained that public education alone cannot solve the sanitation challenge unless it is supported by adequate facilities. He stressed that once enough waste bins are provided, authorities should strictly enforce sanitation regulations and sanction individuals who continue to litter.
He also advocated the return of community sanitation inspectors, popularly known as “tangas,” to monitor neighbourhoods and enforce environmental sanitation by-laws. According to him, the presence of these inspectors in the past encouraged residents to keep their surroundings clean for fear of being penalised.
He said reviving the sanitation inspection system would promote regular cleaning of drains and gutters, reduce blockages and minimise flooding during heavy rains.
Hon. Adama further called on the relevant authorities to intensify public education on environmental sanitation, carry out routine desilting of drains and invest in modern drainage infrastructure to strengthen Ghana’s flood prevention efforts.
He concluded that tackling flooding requires a coordinated approach involving government, local authorities and the public, stressing that improved sanitation enforcement, responsible waste management and investment in drainage infrastructure are essential to protecting lives and property.
Story by Stephen Owusu Mintah
