The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced that government will fund the National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF).
Speaking at the official launch of the exercise by President John Dramani Mahama at the IRECOP Centre at Agbogbloshie today, Dr. Forson said the initiative is a clear example of value for money and the Reset Agenda promised to Ghanaians.
“Mr. President, when the Honourable Minister for Local Government visited me two weeks ago, he informed me there is a mountain of waste in the middle of Accra and there is an urgent need to clear it. But interestingly, he came with a plan that is cost-effective – a plan that will cost the taxpayer less,” Dr. Forson said.
According to him, the Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Mahama Ayariga proposed using already-paid-for DRIP machines, with funding needed only for fuel, per diem and maintenance.
“Mr. President, I love such initiatives because it is value for money, and we believe that is the reset that you promised the people of Ghana. And so I urgently agreed with him that we will use the District Assemblies Common Fund,” he disclosed.
The Finance Minister said President Mahama has already given approval for the funding arrangement.
In a major boost to the exercise, Dr. Forson announced that the Ministry of Roads and Highways has secured over 200 tipper trucks from road contractors to support the evacuation.
“On behalf of the Minister for Roads and Highways, I want to announce that he has secured over 200 trucks from road contractors to support this exercise,” he said.
To reduce traffic congestion in Accra, the evacuation will be done largely at night, with limited movement during the day.
Dr. Forson further assured the Local Government Ministry of continuous financial support, revealing that provision will be made in the 2027 national budgets for the construction of modern landfill sites across major cities to permanently address Ghana’s sanitation challenges.
The National Emergency Waste Evacuation Exercise is a joint operation by the Ministry of Local Government, the Ghana Armed Forces and DRIP, aimed at clearing the infamous decades-old refuse heap at Agbogbloshie.
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