Residents of Adekopa‑Sonitra, near Amasaman in the Greater Accra Region, are demanding urgent government intervention over what they describe as poor and dangerous management of a landfill site in their community, warning that the situation now poses serious public health and environmental risks.

According to residents, conditions have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks after waste‑collection tricycles were redirected to the landfill following the closure of other dumping sites due to recent flooding.

They say broken‑down equipment at the landfill has slowed operations, causing long queues of refuse‑laden tricycles that block access roads and make it difficult for residents to enter or leave the community.

One resident, who spoke to Channel One News anonymously for fear of victimisation, said the community’s concern is not the presence of the landfill but the chaotic manner in which it is being managed.

“For the safety of Accra and Ghana, we are not complaining about them bringing the waste here. The only thing we are complaining about is the management. They have blocked all our roads. Residents have no way to exit their homes. We have to beg them to move the tricycles, and sometimes they insult us.”

Residents further alleged that the prolonged queues have led to refuse spilling onto the roads, creating what they describe as a growing public health hazard.

Another resident said maggots from the waste are spreading onto nearby roads, while mosquitoes and rats have become increasingly common.

“The maggots from the waste are dropping onto the road. If you step outside, you’re likely to carry them into your home. They are not spraying the area. There are mosquitoes everywhere, and the whole place is infested with rats. There are homes here, and children are being raised here. What’s happening is inhumane.”

Residents are appealing to authorities to repair faulty equipment, improve landfill management, and create an alternative route for waste vehicles to ease congestion and reduce the health and environmental risks confronting the community.

— CitiNewsRoom