Tuesday, 21 July

Minister backs AMA’s ‘See Something, Say Something’ initiative to tackle Accra’s sanitation woes

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AMA (Pic):

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has endorsed the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s new public sanitation reporting platform, urging residents to help fight filth by sending photos and videos of offenders.

The initiative, branded “See Something, Say Something”, allows the public to report illegal dumping of refuse in drains and other sanitation offences directly to the AMA via WhatsApp line: 0544914628.

The minister made the announcement during the commissioning of two new refuse compactor trucks procured by AMA to boost waste collection in the metropolis.

Ahmed Ibrahim said the hotline was designed to put power in the hands of residents.

“By reporting incidents of refuse dumped in drains, on roads and at unauthorised locations, citizens will enable AMA to respond promptly and take enforcement action against offenders,” he said.

He described the platform as proof of AMA’s commitment to combining public participation, enforcement, and improved waste-collection capacity to tackle Accra’s sanitation challenges.

The minister commended the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, assembly members and AMA staff for prioritizing equipment procurement despite financial and legal challenges inherited by the current administration.

He noted that Accra’s waste problem is bigger than one municipality. 

With major markets like Makola attracting traders, commuters and visitors from across Greater Accra, the AMA now manages waste generated far beyond its original boundaries.

“Neither the public nor private sector can do it alone. We need collaboration between central government, local authorities, waste companies and residents,” the Minister stressed.

He assured that the ministry will explore additional support for AMA, given the huge sanitation burden placed on the capital.

Receiving the trucks, Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey thanked President John Dramani Mahama for releasing funds to support AMA’s sanitation and development programmes.

He reaffirmed his commitment to action-oriented leadership and promised that the Assembly will continue procuring equipment and rolling out initiatives.

The mayor also praised the cooperation between the assembly members and him, saying it has been key to the progress recorded so far.

Source: classfmonline.com/Edem Baldwin Afanou