Manhyia South MP pushes for immediate evacuation of refuse dump near school

The Member of Parliament for Manhyia South Constituency, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (Esq.), has expressed deep concern over a growing refuse dump located in the middle of Ashanti New Town, directly opposite the M/A Kindergarten School.

The MP discovered the situation during a working visit to inspect ongoing and completed development projects within the constituency.

The unauthorized refuse dump, situated in the heart of the community and in close proximity to the school, has become a major health hazard for pupils, teachers, and residents.

Addressing the issue at the site, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah described the situation as unacceptable and expressed disappointment in the Manhyia South Sub-Metro for allowing such a public health threat to persist.

He assured residents that immediate steps would be taken to clear the refuse and restore a healthy environment for both the school and the surrounding community.

“I visited the constituency and have been inspecting the progress of ongoing projects. Upon arriving here, I discovered that this health-threatening refuse dump is situated in the area, which should not be the case. I have therefore invited the environmental officers because I want immediate action to be taken.

“As an MP, I am making every effort to ensure that it is removed. Although this is primarily the responsibility of the Assembly, I am playing my part to ensure the waste is evacuated. We cannot risk people's lives like this,” he said.

Joseph Aamalesour Puah, Deputy Environmental Health Officer at the Manhyia South Sub-Metro, who accompanied the MP to the site, acknowledged that the location is not an approved refuse disposal site. He noted that the indiscriminate dumping of waste there poses serious health risks to residents, particularly pupils and their teachers.

According to him, with support from the MP, the Sub-Metro will immediately clear the accumulated waste and intensify the enforcement of sanitation by-laws to prevent further dumping.

The Headmistress of Ashanti New Town Kindergarten School, Madam Charity Badu Gyan, lamented the prolonged challenges posed by the refuse dump.

She revealed that several letters had been sent to the Sub-Metro and other stakeholders regarding the issue, but no action had been taken until now.

She explained that the unpleasant odour and health concerns emanating from the dump have discouraged some parents from bringing their children to school.

“Many parents have withdrawn their wards from the school because of the unpleasant conditions we are facing here. We cannot force them because every parent wants to ensure the good health and safety of their children,” she said.