'Demand accountability over sanitation funds' - Dr Afriye charges citizens

The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Health Committee, Dr Nana Ayew Afriye, has called for stronger citizen involvement in holding local authorities accountable over worsening flooding and sanitation challenges in parts of the country.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on June 30, 2026, he expressed concern about the poor drainage and waste management situation, particularly in areas such as Alajo, which has been heavily affected by floods.

Alajo flood death toll rises to three after electrocution incidents

He noted that the government had released funds to local assemblies to address sanitation issues, but questioned the use of those resources.

According to him, citizens also have a role to play in ensuring accountability at the local level.

“Inasmuch as we are putting the pressure on government, it is the responsibility of all of us, the citizens, to press forward. Money has been given to the municipalities, according to the Minister of Local Government. That is citizen vigilante,” he stated.

Dr Afriye, who is also the Member of Parliament for Effiduase/Asokore constituency, further urged residents to actively demand accountability from their assemblies, insisting that the funds allocated must be properly used to address sanitation challenges.

“We are supposed to put responsible pressure on the local government and the municipalities. The Minister of Local Government is saying that money has been given to the assemblies, but the monies have not been used. If you go to Alajo, it is submerged because of blockage of drains and the inability to take away refuse in gutters due to poor sanitation,” he urged.

He questioned the state of sanitation management in the affected communities, warning that the situation reflects deeper governance challenges.

“Where is our money? Yes, citizen vigilante. Let's put responsible pressure on the municipalities and the assemblies. It behooves on all of us,” he stressed.

Dr Afriye also highlighted the issue of uncollected refuse, which he said is worsening flooding in areas like Alajo.

“A lot of refuse dumps have not been cleared in Alajo. Alajo has been submerged because the refuse dumps have not been cleared. Mr Speaker, at this point in time, the Minister of Local Government has confirmed that monies have been given to assemblies and they have not been used,” he noted.

“Where are we going as a country? Citizen vigilantism. Let's put responsible pressure on the government, and the assemblies must account for the resources given to them,” he added.

Deadly floods sweep through Ghana's capital

Alajo was among several communities in Accra that were heavily impacted by the heavy rainfall on June 29, 2026.

There have been several reports of deaths, homes submerged, and many properties destroyed as a result of the flooding.

MAG/VPO

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