Ayariga announces plans for waste transfer stations across Accra

Minister for Local Government, Mahama Ayariga, has announced plans to establish waste transfer stations within a five-kilometre radius of communities as part of government’s efforts to tackle waste management challenges in major urban areas.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, September 10, the Minister said the initiative would reduce the distances waste collectors travel to dispose of refuse and help address the growing problem of indiscriminate dumping.

Mr Ayariga explained that Accra would be divided into several zones, with transfer stations strategically located to enable waste collectors to deposit refuse. Larger trucks would then transport the waste from these facilities to designated landfill sites.

He said the proposed arrangement would ensure that operators of Aboboyaa waste tricycles would not be required to travel more than five kilometres to reach a transfer station.

The Minister also disclosed that government is seeking additional landfill sites in various parts of Accra to ease the burden on existing facilities and prevent excessive dependence on a single disposal site.

According to Mr Ayariga, the proposal has been discussed with Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson, who has directed the Local Government Ministry to finalise the designs and submit the projected cost for consideration in the 2027 Budget.

He further revealed that government is exploring the possibility of introducing large-capacity incinerators to enhance waste treatment and management at landfill facilities.

As part of the broader waste management strategy, households are expected to be provided with at least two bins to encourage waste separation at source. The proposed system would use a red bin for organic waste and a green bin for solid waste.

Mr Ayariga said households that fail to properly separate their waste could face penalties. Waste collectors, he explained, would be expected to report cases where different types of waste have been mixed.

The proposed measures are intended to improve waste collection, promote proper waste separation and create a more efficient and sustainable waste disposal system in Accra and other major cities.