The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining consistent waste collection across all areas under its jurisdiction, even as the city grapples with urbanisation challenges.
In an interview on January 29, AMA’s Public Relations Officer, Gilbert Ankrah, addressed public concerns about waste management and homelessness. He outlined the assembly’s ongoing efforts to tackle these issues, despite the challenges.
Mr. Ankrah emphasized that waste collection remains a top priority, particularly in high-traffic areas such as Circle, where refuse is cleared daily. He assured residents that AMA has implemented measures to ensure that waste is collected consistently across the city.
“If you come to Circle, waste is being cleared in the places that fall under AMA, and the waste is being cleared on a daily basis,” Ankrah said during the interview with Bernard Avle. “Beginning this year, we have put measures in place to ensure that the refuse of Accra is collected every day.”
He also noted that the absence of a fully appointed mayor has not disrupted waste management operations, which continue to run efficiently.
This assurance comes as Accra faces growing challenges from rapid urbanisation, including increasing waste accumulation. The AMA has expanded its waste management services to cover more areas and operate at higher frequencies, demonstrating its commitment to keeping the capital clean.
Addressing Homelessness in Accra
While AMA is making strides in waste management, the issue of homelessness in Accra presents a more complex challenge, Ankrah said. He emphasized that tackling homelessness requires collaboration with other institutions, such as the Department of Social Welfare and social service agencies.
“The issue of homelessness requires some forms of collaboration with other institutions to deal with it, and we have been doing this,” he explained.
Ankrah highlighted that the AMA has worked with these organisations in the past to address homelessness. However, he acknowledged a significant gap in resources, pointing out the current lack of formal shelters for the homeless in Accra.
“In the past, there used to be shelters, but as of now, there is no place that I am aware of,” he admitted.
Despite these challenges, the AMA remains committed to finding solutions to homelessness while continuing its efforts to improve waste management and maintain the city’s cleanliness.