Gov’t Unveils Nationwide Waste Management Reform Using DRIP Equipment
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a nationwide waste management reform programme that will deploy District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) equipment to clear refuse dumps and improve sanitation across Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
The programme will provide households with waste bins, expand waste transfer stations, increase engineered landfill facilities and use DRIP machinery to strengthen waste collection and disposal systems nationwide.
Government will also support the construction of three landfill sites, extend landfill capacity in the Greater Kumasi Area and develop engineered landfill facilities in all 16 regional capitals as part of the long-term reform agenda.
President Mahama announced the initiative on Friday at Agbogbloshie in Accra before officially commencing the evacuation of accumulated waste from the site to the Adepa Engineered Landfill.
He said the nationwide programme followed a comprehensive waste management plan submitted by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs to address sanitation challenges from households to final waste disposal.
According to the President, the reform will increase the number of recycling plants across the country to reduce the volume of waste requiring final disposal while creating new opportunities for enterprise and employment in the recycling industry.
President Mahama said DRIP equipment mobilised for the Agbogbloshie operation would subsequently be deployed to district and municipal assemblies to clear refuse dumps in communities facing similar sanitation challenges.
“Our goal is to clean our communities, build healthier families, and build a waste management system that serves our growing towns and cities,” he said.
The President noted that the Minister for Finance had committed to supporting the nationwide programme and called on assemblies, traditional authorities, private waste operators and citizens to contribute to its successful implementation.
He emphasised that lasting sanitation improvements would depend on both effective enforcement and reliable waste collection services, urging citizens to dispose of waste responsibly and protect rivers, lagoons, drains and public spaces.
President Mahama said the reform forms part of Government’s Reset Agenda, adding that practical action, responsible use of public resources and strong institutions are essential to building cleaner, healthier and more resilient communities across Ghana.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
