Ministry clears huge pile of refuse ahead of NSD

Evacuation of huge pile of in parts of the Kumasi Metropolis and six other districts in the Ashanti Region for decades has begun following the intervention of the Local Government and Rural Development Ministry.

The refuse, turned into mountains, are found at Kwadaso and Suame-Kotoko both communities in Kumasi, Abuakwa Zongo in Atwima-Nwabiagya, Ahenema-Kokoben in Atwima-Kwanwoma and Ahwiaa Overseas in the Kwabre East Districts, Maase in Offinso and Konongo in the Konongo-Odumase Municipalities.

Clearing of garbage from those sites, some of which reportedly had been there for more than 70 years, comes ahead of the next national sanitation day on January 3, 2015.

Mr. Emmanuel Kwadwo Agyekum, the Deputy Minister, said the war on poor sanitation must be fought on all fronts.

Speaking journalists at the Kwadaso dump site - popularly referred to as Kwadaso “boola kesiem”, which has existed since 1943 and stands as tall as a three-storey building, he said there was the need for changed mindsets and attitudes.

He announced the acquisition of more than 10,000 litter bins by his ministry for distribution to the district assemblies.

Mr. Samuel Sarpong, the Ashanti Regional Minister, said the clearing of the refuse dumps was a clear indication of the seriousness the government attached to the nationwide sanitation exercise.

Mr Kojo Bonsu, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), thanked the ministry for the intervention.