As the rainy season approaches, residents of Sunyani, once celebrated as Ghana’s cleanest city, are grappling with a worsening sanitation crisis. Overflowing drains, piled-up refuse, and choked gutters have become common sights, raising fears of disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.
Sunyani was declared Ghana’s cleanest city by the Ghana Tourism Board in 2007, but today, the city struggles to maintain that reputation. Gutters are clogged, waste bins remain uncollected for days, and the stench from decomposing garbage has become unbearable.
Residents expressed their frustration over the deteriorating conditions.
“Sunyani is no longer what it used to be. The filth is overwhelming, and we fear an outbreak of diseases,” said Simon Addai, a resident.
“We used to take pride in being the cleanest city, but now, even basic waste collection is a problem,” added Raphael Cubagee.
Another resident, Kweku Djan, called for urgent action: “If nothing is done before the rains start, we will face serious flooding and health risks.”
In response to growing concerns, Sunyani Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Vincent Antwi Agyei, on his first day in office, vowed to restore the city’s former glory.
“We will implement stricter waste management policies and intensify public education on sanitation. Sunyani will reclaim its title as Ghana’s cleanest city,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Bono Regional Health Promotion Officer, Amma Gyankomah Asirifi warned of a looming health crisis if immediate steps are not taken.
“The current sanitation situation poses a serious public health threat. We are prepared to respond, but prevention is key,” she said.
Bono Regional Minister Joseph Addae Akwaboa also pledged to make the region the cleanest in Ghana before his tenure ends.
“We’re going to work together with the ministry of local government, I will make sure that the Bono region is the cleanest in this country,” he emphasized.
As part of efforts to address the crisis, the Parliamentary Select Committee on Environmental Science and Technology visited Zoomlion’s Recycling and Compost Plant (IRECOP) in Sunyani to assess waste management solutions.
Committee Chairman Yaw Frimpong Addo assured residents that measures would be taken to resolve sanitation challenges.
“We are committed to ensuring proper environmental sanitation in Sunyani. All outstanding issues will be addressed,” he stated.
With the rainy season fast approaching, residents and authorities are in a race against time to prevent flooding and disease outbreaks. Will Sunyani rise again as Ghana’s cleanest city, or will the sanitation crisis deepen?
For now, the stench of neglect lingers, a stark reminder of a fading legacy.
By Claude Kumi Abisa
