Zoomlion, NADMO Initiate Massive Accra Cleanup as Waste Collector Faces Arrest for Gutter Dumping in Tema

In a major effort to mitigate the recurring threat of floods in the Greater Accra Region, Zoomlion Ghana Limited has joined forces with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), FeDEMS, and Dredge Masters for a massive three-day cleanup and desilting exercise. The initiative, which commenced on June 10 and runs through June 12, targets flood-prone areas and major drainage channels that have been severely hampered by silt and refuse. This coordinated intervention comes at a critical time as heavy seasonal rains continue to test the city's drainage capacity, highlighting the urgent need for both infrastructure maintenance and public discipline.

During the exercise, NADMO’s Greater Accra Regional Director, Dennis Nartey Adjannor, emphasized that irresponsible waste disposal remains a primary driver of urban flooding. He noted that while the government is making significant investments in drainage infrastructure through the World Bank-supported Greater Accra Resilient and Integrated Development (GARID) project, these efforts are often undermined by residents who use gutters as waste receptacles. Zoomlion officials and their partners are focusing on desilting deep drains and clearing blocked waterways to ensure a free flow of water, urging the public to embrace better sanitation habits to protect these vital investments.

While regional authorities work to clear existing blockages, law enforcement has also taken action against individuals contributing to the problem. In Tema Community One, a waste collector identified as Musah was arrested after being caught dumping refuse into a drainage channel during a heavy downpour at approximately 03:00 hours on Tuesday. The suspect was apprehended following an alert from vigilant residents to the Assembly Member for the Padmore Electoral Area, Charles Amos. Musah, who claimed he was merely repackaging waste collected from Community Two, was subsequently handed over to the police for further investigation.

The arrest in Tema serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing sanitation officials. Assembly Member Charles Amos expressed deep concern over the public health hazards posed by such actions, including increased mosquito breeding and the heightening of flood risks that threaten lives and property. As the three-day cleanup concludes, authorities are calling for sustained civic engagement and stricter enforcement of sanitation bylaws. The consensus among stakeholders is that engineering solutions and emergency cleanups alone cannot solve Accra’s flooding crisis without a fundamental shift in how citizens manage and dispose of household waste.