AMA Commissions Two New Refuse Trucks Valued at GH¢2.4 Million to Boost Sanitation

AMA Commissions Two New Refuse Trucks Valued at GH¢2.4 Million to Boost Sanitation

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has commissioned two new refuse compactor trucks valued at GH¢2.4 million to strengthen waste collection and improve sanitation management across the capital.

The six-wheel-drive, rear-loading compactors were commissioned by the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, during a ceremony at the Assembly’s premises in Accra.

The trucks each have a carrying capacity of about 20 cubic metres, a compaction ratio of between 3:1 and 4:1, and an estimated payload capacity of between 9,500 and 10,000 kilogrammes. They are also fitted with manual, electric and wireless remote-control operating systems to improve efficiency during waste collection.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Ibrahim commended the AMA’s leadership, assembly members, directors and staff for maintaining service delivery despite inheriting financial and legal challenges.

He said the Assembly had previously faced garnished accounts, judgment debts, unpaid legal fees and multiple court cases but had gradually restored financial stability and improved its ability to undertake development projects.

While welcoming the acquisition of the trucks, the Minister said the two vehicles alone would not be enough to address the sanitation needs of the capital. He urged the AMA to expand its fleet by acquiring at least five or six additional compactors to improve waste management operations.

Mr Ibrahim stressed that tackling sanitation challenges requires collaboration among government, metropolitan assemblies and private waste-management companies, adding that no single sector can resolve the issue alone.

He also called on neighbouring municipal assemblies to procure their own sanitation equipment instead of relying heavily on the AMA to manage waste generated within their jurisdictions.

According to him, the AMA handles waste from major commercial centres such as Makola Market, serving not only residents but also traders, commuters and visitors from across Greater Accra and other parts of the country.

He assured the Assembly of the Ministry’s support in addressing its sanitation challenges and urged residents to report indiscriminate dumping of waste into drains, roads and unauthorised locations through the AMA hotline, 0544 914 628.

The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, thanked President John Dramani Mahama for providing funds for the purchase of the trucks.

He disclosed that the Assembly did not own any refuse compactor when he assumed office and had depended largely on rented equipment and private waste-management companies to carry out sanitation operations.

Mr Allotey said continuous reliance on hired equipment was financially unsustainable, making it necessary for the AMA to invest in building its own sanitation fleet.

He also emphasised that sanitation management should not be limited by administrative boundaries, noting that metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies all share responsibility for keeping the capital clean.

The Mayor added that the AMA is taking steps to establish a mechanical workshop to ensure proper maintenance and extend the lifespan of its growing fleet of sanitation equipment.

Source: Adomonline