Agbogbloshie waste heap is as high as 10-storey building – Mahama Ayariga

The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Mahama Ayariga, has described the huge waste heap at Agbogbloshie as a major environmental challenge that requires urgent collective action.

According to him, Agbogbloshie has been cited by environmental watchdogs and international media as one of the most polluted places in Africa and the world.

Speaking at the official launch of the Second Ecumenical Convention, Mr Ayariga said the situation is worrying due to the key institutions located close to the site, including the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Makola Market, and major religious centres such as the National Mosque.

He revealed that he visited the site three times within his first few days in office and climbed to the top of the accumulated waste, which he said is as high as a 10-storey building.

“Today, I’m not here to point fingers or assign blame. I’m here to make a call to action,” he said, stressing that his focus is on mobilising resources to address the problem rather than dwelling on how the country got there.

Mr Ayariga disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministries of Local Government, Finance, Roads and Highways, and Defence to develop a coordinated plan to clear the waste.

He said the Military Engineering Regiment has been engaged for the exercise and a landfill site along the Nsawam Road has been identified for disposal.

The Local Government Minister added that government is currently assessing the volume of waste to determine the number of trucks and logistics required to completely clear the site.

He noted that if clearing Agbogbloshie becomes his biggest achievement as Minister, he would be fulfilled to have helped remove a major environmental burden from the capital.