The Municipal Chief Executive for the Ga South Municipal Assembly, Honourable Moses Kabu Kubi Ocansey has outlined measures taken by the assembly to address illegal dumping activities at a site near Ganyan. He indicated that the matter had already been referred to court while security agencies continue monitoring the area.
Honourable Ocansey recounted that an individual initially approached the assembly with a proposal to fill a piece of land for future use. The Ga South MCE explained that the Physical Planning Department and Environmental Health and Sanitation Unit were directed to inspect the location before any decision could be taken.
Following their assessment, the officers reportedly advised that the site was unsuitable for such an activity. Consequently, the assembly communicated its position and declined approval for the proposed exercise.
Several months later, however, the assembly received reports that refuse was being dumped at the same location. Honourable Ocansey stated that the assembly intervened and instructed those involved to cease the activity.
The illegal dumping reportedly stopped for a period before resurfacing. As a result, the assembly initiated legal proceedings and issued a summons against the individuals involved.
Honourable Ocansey disclosed that the matter is currently before the court. He added that the assembly has also engaged the commander of the Amanfrom Police Division to strengthen surveillance around the affected area.
The arrangement, he said, is intended to ensure that tricycles and other vehicles carrying waste are intercepted and sanctioned if found violating the law. Security officers have since been tasked to maintain a presence around the site.
“We summoned them to court first and the issue is currently before the court. We have also engaged the police to monitor the area and ensure that anybody who attempts to dump refuse there is apprehended.”
Honourable Moses Kabu Kubi Ocansey
The Ga South MCE further explained that the nature of the land has complicated immediate removal of the waste. He noted that the surface remains soft, making it difficult for heavy-duty vehicles to access the area safely.
According to him, the assembly is waiting for conditions to improve before deploying equipment to clear the accumulated refuse. In the meantime, preparations are being made to facilitate the eventual removal exercise.
Honourable Ocansey also challenged reports suggesting that dumping activities continued at the site over the weekend. He indicated that checks conducted by the police, the assembly member and the unit committee chairman found no evidence of ongoing dumping.
The Municipal Chief Executive suggested that photographs circulating publicly could have been taken during earlier periods when waste disposal activities were taking place. He reiterated that authorities have succeeded in halting further dumping and remain committed to enforcing the law while the court process continues.
Authorities Explore Health Measures As Waste Removal Plans Advance
Efforts to protect residents living near the illegal landfill site are continuing as local authorities evaluate immediate and long-term interventions. The MCE says public health protection is a priority while work proceeds towards the eventual removal of the waste.
Honourable Ocansey acknowledged that the current state of the site presents operational difficulties. He explained that the heavy machinery typically used for waste evacuation could become trapped in the soft terrain.
The Municipal Chief Executive noted that tipper trucks and wheel loaders are the primary equipments available for the operation. Consequently, technical assessments are underway to determine whether other practical options can support the clean-up exercise.
Honourable Ocansey revealed that discussions have been held with environmental health officials to organise fumigation at the affected location.
The planned exercise is expected to reduce potential health risks while authorities prepare for the larger clean-up operation. The Municipal official believes the intervention will help safeguard nearby communities during the waiting period.
“We are in talks with the environmental officer and we are trying to see how best we can fumigate the place. We want to make sure there is no outbreak of sickness in the area.”
Honourable Moses Kabu Kubi Ocansey
Questions have emerged over the possible effects of rainfall on the site and surrounding communities. In response, Honourable Ocansey stated that the assembly is actively managing the situation and implementing measures aimed at protecting residents.
He indicated that authorities are also examining alternative solutions should weather conditions delay access to the area. The assembly, he said, is determined to prevent any development that could threaten public safety.
Further inspections have already taken place involving the Municipal Chief Executive and the Member of Parliament for the area. Their visit focused on identifying practical approaches for removing the refuse and restoring the site.
Honourable Ocansey stressed that municipal authorities have not remained idle since the issue came to light. Legal action, police monitoring and planned environmental interventions have all added as a response strategy.
The Ga South MCE added that surveillance around the location remains active to prevent renewed dumping. He said the assembly continues to work closely with security personnel to ensure compliance with the law.
“We are trying all angles to make sure that the problem is resolved. The police are monitoring the situation and we are working to ensure the necessary interventions are carried out.”
Honourable Moses Kabu Kubi Ocansey
While a date for the fumigation exercise has yet to be announced, the MCE says arrangements are progressing. Honourable Ocansey pledged to communicate details once final preparations are completed and invited the media to observe the exercise when it takes place.
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