In a significant move to combat sanitation challenges in the capital, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has inaugurated a dedicated Sanitation Court aimed at prosecuting individuals who flout the city’s sanitation laws.
The new court is expected to accelerate the handling of cases related to environmental infractions, including market offences and motor traffic violations within the Assembly’s jurisdiction.
According to city officials, the court forms part of a broader strategy to enforce cleanliness and orderliness across the metropolis, which continues to struggle with waste management despite numerous interventions over the years.
Accra, home to over two million residents, generates an estimated 3,000 metric tonnes of waste daily. Despite the Assembly’s institution of a monthly National Sanitation Day—an initiative where citizens engage in communal cleaning activities—the city still battles with open dumping, choked gutters, and indiscriminate littering, particularly in market areas and densely populated neighborhoods.
City officials acknowledged that while some progress has been made, persistent violations of sanitation regulations undermine the AMA’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has expressed optimism about the role the court will play in addressing long-standing sanitation issues and improving the city’s appearance. He emphasized that strict enforcement, combined with public cooperation, is crucial in decongesting Accra and fostering a culture of cleanliness.
“This court is a much-needed addition to our enforcement tools. We believe that when people know there are real consequences for poor sanitation practices, attitudes will begin to change,” he said.
Speaking to the media, Florence Kuukyi, the AMA’s Environmental Health Officer, highlighted that the Sanitation Court will impose harsher penalties, including possible jail sentences, for habitual or serious offenders. She stated that the aim is not just to punish but to deter people from engaging in unsanitary behavior.
“We’re no longer going to rely on just warnings and fines. The court will ensure that those who repeatedly ignore sanitation laws face the full weight of the law,” Kuukyi noted.
She also revealed that environmental health officers will soon begin house-to-house inspections to ensure that residents are maintaining clean surroundings.
“We want to instill discipline at the household level. It starts from home, and we are going to make sure everyone plays their part,” she added.
In her closing remarks, Madam Kuukyi urged residents, traders, and stakeholders to take personal responsibility by acquiring proper waste storage equipment in their homes and businesses. She stressed that storing waste properly is the first step toward effective waste management and contributes significantly to community hygiene.
“We cannot do it alone. Everyone must get involved. If every household keeps their surroundings clean and manages their waste well, we will all benefit from a healthier, safer city,” she emphasized.
The launch of the Sanitation Court underscores the AMA’s commitment to tackling sanitation issues through stricter enforcement and greater civic responsibility. As the court begins its operations, all eyes will be on how effectively it can deter offences and drive behavioral change among residents.
Meanwhile, the Assembly continues to call on the public to support its efforts by observing good sanitation practices and reporting offenders to the appropriate authorities.
