Coconut seller fined for dumping husks into drain at Bubuashie

A coconut seller, Prince Nyame, has been fined GH¢360 by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Sanitation Court for disposing of coconut husks into a public drain behind Accra Academy at Bubuashie.

Nyame was convicted on Tuesday, July 25, 2026, and fined 30 penalty units, equivalent to GH¢360, with a three-month custodial sentence as the alternative punishment if he fails to pay the fine.

He was arrested by AMA officials, with support from security personnel, after he was allegedly caught dumping a large quantity of coconut husks into a drain along the Accra Academy wall, an action that contravenes the AMA 2017 Sanitation By-laws.

The Head of Public Affairs of the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, said Nyame initially pleaded not guilty when he first appeared before the Sanitation Court and was granted bail under conditions set by the court.

He explained that at a subsequent hearing, the accused changed his plea to guilty, leading the court to convict him based on his own plea and impose the minimum penalty of 30 penalty units or three months’ imprisonment in default.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, condemned the practice of dumping coconut husks and other waste into drains, describing it as a major cause of blocked drainage systems, flooding and sanitation challenges across the city.

He noted that coconut sellers generate large quantities of waste daily and must ensure that husks are properly stored and disposed of through authorised waste management channels.

The Mayor warned traders against using drains, pavements, road shoulders and other public spaces as dumping grounds, stressing that such practices are offences under the Assembly’s sanitation regulations.

He said the AMA would strengthen monitoring and enforcement operations throughout the metropolis to identify and prosecute individuals who dispose of waste at unauthorised locations.

Mr Allotey urged coconut vendors and other food operators to provide waste containers at their business locations and arrange for regular collection of refuse generated from their activities.

He also called on residents to support the Assembly’s sanitation drive by reporting cases of illegal dumping to the appropriate authorities.