AMA clamps down on illegal waste collector in Accra

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerian national, Yusif Dahiru, for allegedly engaging in unauthorised waste collection and extorting money from members of the public at an illegal dumping site near UTC Accra.

The Head of Public Affairs at the Assembly, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Wednesday, 15 April stating that the suspect was apprehended at about 3:00 a.m. on Monday, 13 April following a tip-off.

According to Mr Ankrah, the suspect had positioned himself at the site and was receiving refuse from the public as though he had been officially designated to manage waste disposal at the location.

He clarified, however, that Dahiru had no authorisation from the Assembly to operate at the site.

The suspect is also alleged to have been collecting money from unsuspecting residents under the pretext of providing waste disposal services, claiming to be working under a supervisor.

During interrogation, Dahiru denied being an official waste collector but admitted that he had been assisting in dragging refuse to the dumping site in exchange for money.

The Assembly says investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the activities and whether other individuals may be involved.

The AMA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing sanitation regulations in the capital and cautioned the public to use only approved waste management services to avoid falling victim to such schemes.