Man fined GH¢1,200 for dumping refuse on the street during a downpour

A 27-year-old man has been fined GH¢1,200 after being caught on a viral social media video dumping rubbish onto the road during a heavy downpour in Takoradi.

The incident, which quickly attracted public attention online, prompted officers of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) to track down and arrest the man, identified as Benedict Ackah Dadzie, on Monday, June 22, 2026.

According to a statement issued by the Assembly's Public Relations Unit and copied to the Ghana News Agency, Dadzie admitted to the offence during questioning.

The Assembly said his actions breached Section 6(1) of the STMA (Cleansing) By-Law, 2017, which prohibits the indiscriminate disposal of waste.

Faced with the evidence against him, Dadzie reportedly expressed remorse and appealed for leniency.

He subsequently signed a written undertaking, pledging to refrain from littering and any conduct that undermines environmental sanitation efforts in the metropolis.

Beyond the written caution, the Assembly imposed a spot fine of GH¢1,200 in line with its sanitation enforcement procedures.

The sanction forms part of what the STMA describes as a renewed effort to ensure strict compliance with environmental sanitation regulations, particularly as concerns grow over poor waste disposal practices and their contribution to flooding during the rainy season.

The Assembly warned that residents who flout sanitation regulations risk prosecution or other penalties under existing bylaws.

It also urged households and business operators to play an active role in maintaining a cleaner environment by acquiring approved waste bins and subscribing to the services of authorised waste collection providers.

“STMA remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy metropolis through sustained public education and rigorous enforcement of environmental sanitation bylaws and regulations,” it added.

NA/VPO