The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a stern warning that it will commence arresting and prosecuting individuals who recklessly dispose of used sachet water packs on the streets.
Gilbert Nii Ankrah, Public Relations Officer for the AMA, stated that this measure is part of efforts to make Accra the cleanest city.
He made this known during an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM. Ankrah confirmed that eight individuals have been convicted and fined GH¢600 each for open defecation.
The AMA Sanitation Court has remanded seven persons, namely Samuel Aryeequaye, Evans Derry, Kwesi Milla, Richard Quintin Coffie, Seidu Aminu, Awuaaba Michael, and Quarcoo Ernest, to prison custody for open defecation in parts of Accra after failing to pay a fine of 50 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢600.
Raphael Adjetey, an eighth offender, paid the fine imposed by the court after being convicted for the same offence. Ankrah told host Kwabena Agyapong that the AMA has intensified enforcement against unsanitary practices in the metropolis.
He explained that the AMA Environmental Health Department has commenced 24-hour operations to ensure compliance with sanitation by-laws.
Mr Ankrah added that officers have sustained day-and-night monitoring to curb public nuisance and protect public health.
“We are sending a caution to the public to desist from this unlawful act,” he said. “Some of these individuals defecate in drains, creating a health crisis. We continue to arrest and prosecute those involved. We will also shift our focus to those who drink water and dispose of waste along the streets, as it is an offence to do so. The eight individuals arrested for open defecation were found guilty and convicted to a fine of GH¢600. Those unable to pay have been remanded and will be released once they have paid the fine.”
The AMA is appealing to the public to help beautify the city and stop the indiscriminate disposal of waste and open defecation. “If Accra becomes the cleanest city, it will be to our own benefit. That is why we have deployed people to ensure that those who keep dumping waste along our streets are arrested,” he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
