Man fined GHS1,200.00 for sweeping plastic waste into rainwater in Takoradi

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) has fined a man a sum of GHS1,200.00 for sweeping plastic waste onto a public road during a downpour in Takoradi.

Benedict Ackah Dadzie, 27, was captured in a viral social media post in the act on Friday, June 19, and subsequently arrested by the Environmental Health Officers of the Assembly on Monday, June 22, 2026.

A statement signed by the Public Relations Unit of the STMA and copied to the Ghana News Agency said during questioning, Dadzie admitted to committing the offence, contrary to Section 6(1) of the STMA (Cleansing) Bylaw, 2017.

It said he pleaded for leniency and expressed remorse for his actions and consequently made to sign a written undertaking to desist from littering and any other acts that undermined environmental sanitation efforts within the metropolis.

It noted that in addition, he was issued a spot fine of GHC1,200.00 in accordance with the Assembly’s sanitation enforcement procedures.

The statement said the arrest and sanction formed part of the Assembly’s ongoing efforts to enforce its environmental sanitation bylaws and promote responsible waste management practices within Sekondi-Takoradi.

It cautioned the public against indiscriminate disposal of waste, noting that offenders would be prosecuted or sanctioned in accordance with the Assembly’s bylaws and regulations.

The statement further encouraged businesses and households to support the Assembly’s solid waste management initiatives by acquiring the appropriate plastic refuse containers and register with the authorised service providers to collect and properly dispose of their waste.

“STMA remains committed to ensuring a clean and healthy metropolis through sustained public education and rigorous enforcement of environmental sanitation bylaws and regulations,” it added.

GNA