The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has identified the lack of adequate landfill sites as a key factor behind the growing refuse accumulation in parts of Greater Accra, including the persistent waste situation at Kaneshie Market.
The concern comes amid complaints from traders and residents over overflowing refuse containers at the market, with many warning of potential health risks and disruptions to business activities.
In an interview, ESPA Executive Secretary, Ama Ofori Antwi, explained that rapid population growth and urban expansion have led to a significant increase in waste generation, while waste disposal infrastructure has remained inadequate.
She noted that waste management companies are facing major challenges due to the limited number of operational landfill sites, with only facilities at Adepa and Tema currently available for use. According to her, there are no active landfill sites within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area, forcing waste contractors to travel long distances to dispose of refuse.
The situation, she said, has increased turnaround times for waste collection vehicles, affecting the efficiency of both formal and informal waste service providers. The ongoing rainy season has further worsened the challenge due to poor road conditions leading to disposal sites.
ESPA has therefore called for urgent investment in waste management infrastructure, particularly the development of additional engineered landfill sites within Greater Accra, to improve waste collection services and address the growing refuse problem across the region.