AMA outdoors 2 new compactor trucks to strengthen waste collection

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commissioned two brand-new refuse compactor trucks as part of efforts to improve waste collection, enhance environmental sanitation, and reduce the persistent accumulation of refuse across the capital.

The two modern refuse compactors, acquired at a total cost of GH¢2.4 million, were officially unveiled by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, during a commissioning ceremony held at the AMA headquarters in Accra.

The acquisition forms part of the Assembly's broader strategy to strengthen its operational capacity and improve the efficiency of solid waste management services within the metropolis.

The newly acquired six-wheel-drive rear-loading refuse compactor trucks are designed to handle large volumes of waste efficiently. Each truck has an approximate carrying capacity of 20 cubic metres, with a compaction ratio ranging between 3:1 and 4:1, enabling them to transport significantly more waste per trip.

The trucks are capable of carrying payloads of between 9,500 and 10,000 kilograms and are fitted with manual, electric, and wireless remote-control operating systems to improve operational safety and efficiency during waste collection.

The addition of the two vehicles is expected to reduce delays in refuse collection, improve cleanliness in communities, and support the Assembly's efforts to maintain a healthier urban environment.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Minister Ahmed Ibrahim praised the Mayor, Assembly Members, management, and staff of the AMA for their commitment to improving service delivery despite inheriting significant financial and legal challenges.

According to the Minister, the Assembly had previously struggled with garnished bank accounts, judgment debts, outstanding legal fees, and numerous court cases that constrained its operations. However, he noted that prudent financial management and effective leadership had helped stabilise the Assembly's finances, enabling it to invest in essential infrastructure and public services.

He described the procurement of the refuse compactors as evidence of the Assembly's renewed focus on improving sanitation and delivering better services to residents.

While welcoming the acquisition, the Minister stressed that two refuse compactors alone would not be sufficient to address the growing sanitation demands of Accra.

He encouraged the Assembly to work towards acquiring at least five or six additional refuse compactor trucks to adequately serve the rapidly expanding population and commercial activities within the city.

Mr. Ibrahim explained that effective waste management requires strong collaboration between central government, metropolitan assemblies, and private waste management companies.

He emphasised that sustainable sanitation could only be achieved through partnerships, noting that neither government institutions nor private operators could successfully manage urban waste independently.

The Minister also called on neighbouring municipal and district assemblies to procure their own sanitation equipment rather than relying heavily on the AMA to collect and dispose of waste generated outside the capital.

He pointed out that Accra's position as Ghana's commercial hub means that thousands of traders, commuters, and visitors from surrounding municipalities and other regions generate significant volumes of waste every day.

Major commercial centres such as Makola Market continue to increase the sanitation burden on the AMA, making it necessary for surrounding assemblies to strengthen their own waste management systems.

Mr. Ibrahim assured the Assembly that the Ministry would continue exploring ways to provide additional logistical support, considering the unique responsibility the AMA bears in managing sanitation within the country's capital city.

The Minister further appealed to residents to support the Assembly's sanitation efforts by reporting incidents of indiscriminate waste disposal.

He urged members of the public to report refuse dumped into drains, on roadsides, or at unauthorised locations by calling the AMA hotline 0544 914 628, allowing enforcement officers to respond quickly and prosecute offenders where necessary.

According to him, public participation remains essential in maintaining a clean and healthy city.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for providing the financial resources that made the purchase of the refuse compactors possible.

He revealed that when he assumed office, the Assembly did not own a single refuse compactor and depended almost entirely on rented equipment and private waste management contractors.

The Mayor explained that relying continuously on hired sanitation equipment was financially unsustainable and limited the Assembly's ability to respond promptly to waste collection needs.

He said the acquisition of the two compactors marks the beginning of efforts to build a dedicated fleet of sanitation vehicles that will improve service delivery while reducing operational costs in the long term.

Mayor Allotey stressed that effective sanitation management should not be constrained by administrative boundaries, noting that all metropolitan, municipal, and district assemblies operate under the same national government and share responsibility for keeping Greater Accra clean.

He reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to improving waste management services, protecting public health, and ensuring that Accra remains a clean, safe, and attractive city for residents, businesses, and visitors.