Accra, Ghana — In a stern move to enforce sanitation laws, an Accra court has sentenced two individuals to three months’ imprisonment with hard labour for illegally dumping refuse near the Accra Post Office. The convictions form part of an intensified effort by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) to safeguard public health and maintain a clean environment.
The convicts, Albert Okai and Amoako Darko, pleaded guilty to the offence. In addition to the jail time at the Nsawam Medium Security Prison, they were each fined 50 penalty units (GH¢600), which they failed to pay. Meanwhile, a third accused person, Michael Osei, pleaded not guilty and has been remanded in custody, scheduled to reappear in court for the continuation of his case.
Zero-Tolerance Enforcement
Speaking after the judgment, the Chief Executive of the AMA, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, stated that the convictions highlight the strict consequences awaiting those who violate the Assembly’s sanitation by-laws.
“This case highlights the consequences awaiting offenders who flout the Assembly’s sanitation by-laws, stressing that strict enforcement is intended to safeguard public health and maintain a clean environment,” Allotey said.
The Mayor further announced significant plans to address the city’s sanitation challenges, including the introduction of a 24-hour cleaning initiative. He warned that anyone found littering within the metropolis would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Allotey urged residents, traders, and visitors to comply with sanitation by-laws, use designated bins and authorised collection services, and promptly report offenders to the Assembly’s task force to help keep Accra clean.
