Greater Accra, particularly Tema and its environs, is facing a looming public health disaster. With just 30 days to the possible closure of the Kpone Landfill Site, the region could be heading towards one of the most severe sanitation crises in recent memory.
The potential consequences are stark: overflowing refuse, blocked drains, increased disease risk, and a major blow to urban living standards.
The Kpone landfill has long been the final resting place for the capital’s municipal waste. It has served the metropolis and surrounding areas faithfully, but the signs of strain are unmistakable. Reports indicate that without immediate intervention, residents could see piles of uncollected waste spilling onto streets, creating not only an eyesore but also a breeding ground for disease-causing pathogens.
This is not merely an environmental issue; it is a governance issue. City authorities, in partnership with the sector ministry, must urgently address the challenge. A delay or half-hearted response could trigger a public health emergency, overwhelming hospitals and clinics with preventable illnesses linked to poor sanitation.
All key stakeholders in the sanitation sector must act decisively. Planning for alternative waste disposal sites, enhancing waste recycling and processing capacities, and launching a robust public awareness campaign are not optional — they are imperative.
We must also consider sustainable solutions beyond the immediate crisis. Ghana cannot continue to rely on ageing landfill sites in proximity to densely populated areas. Investment in modern sanitary landfills, waste-to-energy plants, and community-level recycling hubs is essential.
Moreover, public participation is key; residents must be educated and engaged in proper waste segregation to reduce pressure on centralised disposal systems.
As citizens, we all have a role to play. Proper waste disposal at home, school, and workplaces, coupled with pressure on local authorities to act swiftly, can prevent the looming disaster. But the primary responsibility lies with the government. There is no time for delays, and every day counts.
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