The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerian national, Yusif Dahiru, for allegedly dumping waste illegally and collecting money from unsuspecting residents at an unauthorised refuse site near UTC in Accra.
The Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, said the suspect was picked up around 3:00 a.m. on Monday after officials received a tip-off about the activity.
In a Facebook post, Mr. Ankrah explained that Dahiru had stationed himself at the site, receiving waste from members of the public as though he had been officially assigned to manage the area, even though he had no approval from the Assembly.
He added that the suspect was also allegedly charging people for waste disposal services under the false impression that he was working under an authorised supervisor.
According to Mr. Ankrah, during interrogation, Dahiru denied being an official waste collector but admitted that he helped move refuse to the site for a fee. He said the waste was usually transported in a small rubber container and that he was often called upon to assist in dragging it to the dumping point in exchange for payment.
Mr. Ankrah further revealed that the suspect mentioned an Asafoatse and two others he claimed to be working with. He alleged that the Asafoatse occasionally visited the site to collect money generated from the illegal activity. This, Mr. Ankrah noted, has opened a new line of investigation into the possible involvement of other individuals.
He said the arrest is part of the AMA’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal dumping, unauthorised waste handling, and extortion, which continue to pose challenges to sanitation management in the capital.
Mr. Ankrah emphasised that only individuals and companies authorised by the Assembly are permitted to collect and dispose of waste, warning that anyone found flouting the rules will face the full rigours of the law.
He added that investigations are ongoing to verify the suspect’s claims and to identify others who may be connected to the alleged illegal operation for possible prosecution.
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