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Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister Mahama Ayariga has made a public appeal to the private sector to support the ongoing Agbogbloshie landfill evacuation and river dredging project. The call follows a significant contribution from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which donated fuel and financial resources valued at more than GH₵250,000 to facilitate the operation. The minister expressed hope that other corporate entities would follow this example to ensure the project stays on schedule.
The initiative, which was commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama, aims to clear decades of accumulated waste from the Agbogbloshie site and dredge local river systems to mitigate the risk of seasonal flooding. Minister Ayariga noted that the government's efforts have already resulted in a drastic reduction in waste volumes at the site. However, he emphasized that the scale of the remaining evacuation requires sustained logistics, particularly heavy machinery and the fuel necessary to power them.
During his assessment of the progress, Ayariga lauded COMAC for its proactive stance and highlighted that private sector participation is essential for the project's success. He noted that donations of fuel and equipment are the most critical needs at this stage, as they directly impact the speed of waste removal and the clearing of drainage channels. The minister's call is part of a broader effort to foster public-private partnerships in urban waste management.
The successful clearing of the Agbogbloshie landfill is seen as a critical component of Accra’s wider urban renewal and flood prevention strategy. As the government intensifies its operations, the Ministry is focused on ensuring that drainage channels are free of obstructions before the onset of heavier rains. The government expects that with increased private sector involvement, the environmental restoration efforts will protect local communities and improve the city's overall sanitation landscape.