A/R: Asonomaso residents cry out over 60-year-old waste dump site threatening public health

Residents of Asonomaso in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region are appealing to the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Joseph Amankwah, to urgently address a long-standing refuse dump in the middle of their community, which they say has become a serious health hazard.

The dumping site, which has been in existence for more than six decades, has been left unmanaged, producing foul odours and toxic fumes that endanger the health and wellbeing of residents.

Locals say the stench has made life unbearable, forcing many to stay indoors for long hours. Those living closest to the site report that routine activities such as cooking outdoors, drying clothes, or welcoming guests have become nearly impossible due to the overpowering smell.

The worsening situation has also strained relations between landlords and tenants, with some tenants demanding rent reductions or threatening to vacate their homes.

“Our children are always coughing, and adults complain of breathing difficulties. We feel neglected,” one resident lamented.

Despite repeated complaints to the Kwabre East Municipal Assembly, residents claim authorities have failed to take meaningful action to clean up or relocate the dump. They fear the ongoing exposure to pollutants could trigger widespread respiratory and airborne diseases in the community.

Former Assembly Member for the area, Hon. Kwadwo Appiah, expressed disappointment at the continued neglect and urged the Municipal Assembly to act immediately.

“This is not just an eyesore; it’s a ticking time bomb for public health. The MCE must act now before the situation escalates into a full-blown health crisis,” he warned.

Hon. Appiah also called for a long-term waste management strategy to ensure proper sanitation and prevent such crises from recurring in the municipality.