In a decisive move to enforce sanitation by-laws, two individuals have been sentenced to three months of imprisonment with hard labour for illegally dumping refuse near the Accra Post Office. The convicts, identified as Albert Okai and Amoako Darko, pleaded guilty to the offence and were fined 50 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢600 each. Upon failing to pay the fines, both men were committed to serve their sentences at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison.
A third accused individual, Michael Osei, who pleaded not guilty, has been remanded into custody for one week. He is expected to reappear in court for the continuation of his case.
Following the court’s decision, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, emphasized that the convictions are part of ongoing efforts to curb the indiscriminate disposal of waste in the city. He reiterated that such enforcement measures aim to protect public health and ensure a clean and sustainable environment.
Mr. Allotey noted that the case serves as a warning to potential offenders, underscoring the Assembly’s commitment to upholding its sanitation by-laws. He stressed that individuals who engage in illegal dumping or other unsanctioned waste disposal practices will face severe consequences.
In addition to these enforcement efforts, the Mayor announced plans to launch a 24-hour cleaning initiative aimed at addressing Accra’s persistent sanitation challenges. As part of this initiative, individuals caught littering within the metropolis will face prosecution in accordance with existing laws.
The AMA Chief Executive called on all residents, traders, and visitors in Accra to comply with sanitation regulations. He urged the public to utilize designated waste bins and authorized waste collection services, refrain from open dumping and littering, and actively participate in community clean-up activities. Furthermore, he encouraged citizens to report offenders to the Assembly’s task force to support the collective goal of maintaining a clean and healthy city.
This recent development highlights the Assembly’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility while ensuring that Accra remains a clean and habitable metropolis for all.
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Curated by Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
