Accra Mayor announces GH₵500 reward for reporting sanitation offenders, illegal activities

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has announced a GH₵500 reward for individuals who report sanitation offenders, including those engaged in dumping waste into drains, littering, open defecation, and other illegal activities, as part of intensified efforts to improve environmental conditions in the city.

The Mayor explained that the incentive, which requires credible evidence, is aimed at encouraging public participation in enforcing the Assembly’s by-laws, assuring that offenders would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He urged residents to take an active role in safeguarding their communities by providing information on such activities, stressing that collective vigilance was critical to addressing the sanitation challenges confronting the capital.

The Mayor announced the award package on Wednesday during an inspection tour of the Kaneshie area, specifically Dzorshie Crescent, to assess the causes of persistent flooding and evaluate conditions within major drainage channels.

He assured residents of an expedited intervention to bring relief, since a contract has already been awarded.

He attributed recurring flooding in parts of the city to poor sanitation practices, particularly the indiscriminate dumping of waste into drains, noting that large volumes of plastics and discarded clothing had accumulated in gutters and storm drains, obstructing the free flow of water.

According to him, waste disposed of upstream often travels and chokes drainage systems elsewhere, creating serious risks to lives and properties.

He emphasised that Accra’s development depended on the actions of its residents and called for stronger collaboration between the Assembly and the public to build a cleaner, safer, and more resilient city.

The Mayor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing sanitation and infrastructure challenges, stressing that preventing flooding and ensuring public safety required a coordinated effort between authorities and residents.

He urged the public to comply with directives, report sanitation offenders and other unsafe practices, and support ongoing efforts to protect lives and improve conditions across Accra.