Accra Mayor cracks down on flood-contaminated food, equips ‘Tankas’ for aggressive enforcement

The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has launched a decisive post-flood public health intervention by equipping the Metro Public Health Department with essential logistics to intensify the enforcement of food safety and environmental sanitation by-laws across the metropolis.

The intervention comes in the wake of recent floods that affected several communities, markets, shops and warehouses, raising concerns over the circulation of food items contaminated by floodwater.

Speaking during the presentation, Hon. Allotey stressed that protecting residents from foodborne diseases and environmental hazards remains a top priority. He noted that floodwaters often contain sewage, chemicals, waste and other dangerous pollutants capable of rendering food unsafe for human consumption.

To strengthen surveillance and enforcement, the Assembly presented an assortment of logistics, including 1,000 body bags, 500 blankets, N95 nose masks, surgical masks, protective gloves, Wellington boots, knapsack sprayers, mist blowers and chloride-chlorine granules.

The Mayor explained that the equipment would empower Environmental Health Officers, popularly known as "Tankas" to inspect flood-affected markets and food premises, disinfect contaminated areas, and seize unsafe food products before they reach consumers.

He warned that traders and individuals found selling, storing, repackaging or distributing flood-contaminated food would face the full force of the law, emphasizing that the Assembly would not compromise on public health and safety.

Hon. Allotey also appealed to traders and residents to cooperate with environmental health officials by voluntarily disposing of contaminated goods instead of attempting to recover them for sale.

Beyond enforcement, the Mayor disclosed that the Assembly's post-flood strategy includes sustained public education, routine inspections and widespread disinfection exercises across affected communities to prevent disease outbreaks.

He further called on the public to remain vigilant by reporting anyone suspected of handling or selling flood-contaminated food, stressing that community participation is essential in safeguarding public health.

Receiving the logistics on behalf of the Metro Public Health Department, Mr. George Lawson expressed gratitude to the Mayor and assured residents that the items would significantly boost field operations.

He pledged that the department would intensify food safety inspections, monitor markets closely, carry out disinfection exercises and strictly enforce sanitation by-laws to ensure contaminated food does not enter the public food chain.

The latest intervention underscores the Accra Metropolitan Assembly's determination to combine emergency response with strict regulatory enforcement as it works to protect residents from the health risks associated with post-flood contamination.