The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commissioned two new refuse compactor trucks as part of efforts to improve waste collection, reduce refuse accumulation and strengthen sanitation services across the capital.
The six-wheel-drive rear-loading trucks, acquired at a total cost of about GH¢2.4 million, were commissioned by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, at a ceremony held at the AMA headquarters.
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The compactors have a carrying capacity of approximately 20 cubic metres, a compaction ratio of between 3:1 and 4:1, and an estimated payload capacity of 9,500 to 10,000 kilogrammes. They are equipped with manual, electric and wireless remote-control operating systems.
Speaking at the event, Mr Ibrahim commended the Mayor, assembly members and staff of the AMA for improving service delivery despite financial and legal challenges inherited by the current administration.
He noted that the Assembly had previously faced garnished accounts, judgement debts, unpaid legal fees and multiple court cases, but had gradually restored financial stability and strengthened its ability to undertake development projects.
The minister said the two refuse compactors would enhance sanitation operations but stressed that they were insufficient to meet the growing waste management demands of the capital. He encouraged the Assembly to work towards acquiring at least five or six additional compactors.
Mr Ibrahim emphasised that effective waste management requires collaboration between government, metropolitan assemblies and private waste management companies, adding that neither the public nor private sector could address the challenge alone.
He also urged neighbouring municipal assemblies to invest in their own sanitation equipment instead of relying heavily on the AMA to manage waste generated within their jurisdictions.
According to the minister, the presence of major commercial centres such as Makola Market means the AMA handles waste generated not only by residents but also by traders, commuters and visitors from across Greater Accra and beyond.
He assured the Assembly of the ministry’s support in addressing the city’s unique sanitation challenges and encouraged residents to report illegal dumping of refuse into drains, on roads and at unauthorised locations through the AMA’s hotline, 0544 914 628, to facilitate enforcement.
Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey thanked President John Dramani Mahama for making funds available to support the Assembly’s sanitation and development agenda.
He revealed that the AMA did not own a single refuse compactor when he assumed office and had relied largely on rented equipment and private waste management companies, describing the arrangement as unsustainable.
Mr Allotey said the Assembly was committed to building its own fleet of sanitation equipment to improve operational efficiency and reduce dependence on external service providers.
He also stressed that sanitation management should not be limited by administrative boundaries, noting that all metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies share responsibility for keeping the capital clean.
The mayor acknowledged concerns over the maintenance of publicly owned equipment and disclosed that the AMA is taking steps to establish its own mechanical workshop to ensure the proper upkeep of its growing fleet.
