Not long ago, a closed-door meeting was held involving selected media houses and civil society organizations. The goal? To craft a coordinated media agenda to justify an increase in the Sanitation and Pollution Levy.
Beginning sometime next week, they will start flooding the airwaves and social media with carefully selected footage of filthy streets, choked drains, and uncollected refuse across the country. The narrative will be clear: sanitation has worsened under President John Mahama—despite the fact that he has only been in office for just three months.
But here’s the truth.
The Sanitation and Pollution Levy was introduced in 2021, with a promise to fix Ghana’s sanitation problems. It imposes a 10 pesewa charge per litre of petrol and diesel consumed.
Since then, fuel consumption in Ghana has generated huge revenues under this levy:
- 2021: GHS 264 million
- 2022: Approximately 4.7 billion litres = GHS 470 million
- 2023: Approximately 5.5 billion litres = GHS 550 million
- 2024: Approximately 6.46 billion litres = GHS 646 million
Total revenue from the levy (2021–2024): GHS 1.93 billion
And what do we have to show for it? Very little to no significant improvement in sanitation infrastructure or services. The streets are still dirty, waste collection remains unreliable, and open dumping continues in many communities.
Even more troubling is what investigative journalists uncovered. A request filed by The Fourth Estate to the Ministry of Finance revealed that out of the GHS 264 million collected in 2021, the Ministry disbursed GHS 156 million to a single company, Sewerage Systems GH. Ltd, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group. For what work done?
Let’s also remember how this whole arrangement was orchestrated. The current Attorney General, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, while in opposition, went to great lengths to manipulate the drafting of the law. He schemed to reconstitute the leadership of the Committee responsible, just so he could gain control and structure the law in a way that would benefit his close associate. If Dr Ayini attempts anything silly, I’ll expose him further. I’m only setting the stage for a fight. It’s a trap! And trust me, you’ll lose! (I’ll show you where you got money for “the last one.” Is that clue enough?) Let’s continue…
Now, the same network is back—this time trying to defend and expand this revenue stream. Their playbook hasn’t changed: create, loot, and share. I know those who were at that meeting, and I say this with certainty—it won’t wash. We have collected too much but little to show.
The people of Ghana are no longer asleep. If we are truly committed to fixing the sanitation crisis, then the solution lies in a decentralized waste management system—one that empowers local governments and communities to take charge of their environment.
Let’s break it down:
The people of Ghana are no longer asleep. If we are truly committed to fixing the sanitation crisis, then the solution lies in a decentralized waste management system—one that empowers local governments and communities to take charge of their environment.
Let’s break it down:
Over the past three years, the Sanitation and Pollution Levy has generated GHS 1.93 billion. If that amount were equitably distributed across Ghana’s 261 districts, each district would receive over GHS 2.4 million annually.
Now imagine this—if waste management were decentralized, every district could empower at least one hardworking, enterprising young person to build a successful business in sanitation. That’s 261 young people across the country who could become well-to-do “borla” millionaires through honest, impactful work.
Wouldn’t you be inspired to see young Ghanaians earning a decent living while helping keep their communities clean?
Instead, we must ask: How much of the GHS 1.93 billion has gone to Dr. Ayine’s friend? Yes, the NPP introduced the levy—but you, Dr. Ayine, went out of your way to ensure it was passed. You reshaped the Committee to control the process and make sure it benefited a select few. Let me ask you directly: After all your efforts, are you proud of the current sanitation situation in Ghana?
And now, will you support an increase in the levy—knowing that it will ultimately affect the poor trotro passenger, the market woman, and the struggling youth? This is not about party politics—it is about justice, equity, and common sense. Ghana doesn’t need more taxes. Ghana needs fairness, accountability, and a vision that empowers its people—not one that enriches a few while the rest live in filth.
I’ve heard people say, even government have tried but failed to bring Zoomlion down. I’m not here to bring anyone down. I’m rather here to secure a better place up in heaven for my church of Pentecost elder!
