Residents of the Yaw-Adipa/Asiyaw Electoral Area in the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipality have intensified their opposition to waste dumped from Accra in their community, demanding immediate government intervention and a review of the arrangement.
At a press conference in Adipa, Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Emmanuel Asamoah, said residents were concerned about what they described as a growing influx of refuse from the national capital. The Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly confirms Emmanuel Asamoah as the Assembly Member for the Yaw Adipa/Asiaw Electoral Area.
Mr. Asamoah said the community had for some time long faced waste-related challenges but was now facing what he described as a significantly increased volume of refuse. He alleged that residents were living close to exposed waste, with reported unpleasant odours, pests and concerns about the possible impact on local water systems and the surrounding environment.
The Assembly Member further alleged that runoff from the dumping area during rainfall had affected drainage channels and raised concerns about possible groundwater contamination. He also cited concerns over rodents and insects and the potential implications for public health, particularly for children and elderly residents.
These environmental and health concerns were presented at the press conference by the Assembly Member and residents and remain reported allegations pending independent environmental and health assessments.
The community subsequently outlined a series of demands, including an immediate suspension of dumping activities, an independent environmental and health impact assessment, cleanup and decontamination of affected areas, stronger security around the site and a public forum to discuss a long-term waste-management strategy.
Residents also gave the responsible authorities seven days to respond to their demands.
MP Joins Residents’ Call
Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, backed the community’s call for engagement and answers, while stressing that the issue was not about opposing waste management.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh questioned what informed government’s decision to move waste from Greater Accra to the Eastern Region and specifically to the Adipa area.
“We need to find answers to this question. What informed that decision? The government needs to speak to us,” he said.
The MP also questioned why the responsible minister and other relevant authorities had not been present in the community to engage residents before the waste-disposal arrangement began.
His latest intervention follows an earlier call for the suspension of waste evacuation to the Adepa facility until meaningful consultations are held with affected communities. Asaase Radio reported on September 24 that Mr. Annoh-Dompreh had cited concerns raised by residents over foul odours, flies and possible pollution, while also questioning the level of stakeholder engagement.
‘What Has Changed?’
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh also placed the dispute within Ghana’s broader commitments to sustainable waste management, referring to the Sustainable Development Goals and particularly SDG 11, which addresses sustainable cities and communities.
He questioned whether the current approach to waste disposal was consistent with the principles of sustainable waste management and referred to commitments contained in the government’s manifesto.
“What has changed? What has changed?” he asked.
The MP said his position should not be interpreted as a confrontation with government, but rather as part of his responsibility as the parliamentary representative of the affected community.
“As a member of the Minority and as a representative of the people in Parliament, we cannot fight government,” he said, adding that residents nevertheless had the right to demand a clean and safe environment.
He further said any subsequent action by the community must remain within Ghana’s laws and the Constitution.
Community Warns of Further Action
The community’s seven-day ultimatum has raised the prospect of further demonstrations if authorities fail to address the concerns.
Mr. Asamoah warned that residents could consider blocking roads leading to the dumping sites if their demands were not addressed within the stated period. Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, however, emphasised that any response must remain lawful.
The dispute has emerged amid the government’s broader efforts to evacuate accumulated waste from parts of Accra to designated disposal facilities.
The controversy in Adipa now centres on whether communities receiving the waste have been adequately consulted and whether the environmental safeguards surrounding the operation are sufficient.
