The Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly has strongly denied allegations that it charges tricycle riders fees to dump refuse at an illegal waste disposal site at McCarthy South, insisting it neither sanctioned the operation nor benefits financially from activities taking place there.
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Felix Odartey Lamptey said the Assembly has no involvement whatsoever in the management of the site and does not receive any revenue from refuse disposal there.
“The Assembly is not charging any fee for dumping of refuse at the site. The Assembly had no hand in it and is not taking any money,” he stressed.
Mr. Lamptey also rejected suggestions that any group or individuals operating at the site are acting on behalf of the Assembly.
“There is no group there representing the Assembly’s interest or taking money on our behalf,” he stated.
The MCE acknowledged that tricycle operators, popularly known as aboboyaa riders, frequently use the site to dump refuse. However, he maintained that he is unaware of any payments being made and reiterated that the Assembly does not charge any fees for the activity.
“I have seen that the tricycle riders go there to dump refuse, but I am not aware they pay money. Neither is the Assembly charging them any fee,” he said.
According to him, the Assembly’s concern is not revenue generation but rather the continued illegal dumping of waste, which poses environmental and public health risks to residents.
Mr. Lamptey disclosed that many of the riders using the site are not residents of the municipality, making enforcement efforts more challenging.
“The tricycle riders are from various parts of Accra and are not even from Weija-Gbawe, and that is why we have taken steps to stop them,” he explained.
He revealed that the Assembly has enlisted the support of National Security operatives to clamp down on the illegal activity and prevent further dumping at the site.
The MCE also dismissed complaints reportedly raised by some operators regarding the poor condition of the road leading to the dump site, arguing that such concerns are misplaced given the illegality of the operation.
“If the place is illegal, how do they talk about challenges?” he questioned.
“The dumping of refuse there is illegal, so why would they have the effrontery to talk about the bad road leading to the dumping site?” he added.
Mr. Lamptey further refuted claims that the Assembly collects GH¢70 from tricycle riders for access to the site.
“The Assembly has not sanctioned or taken any 70 cedis from the tricycle riders,” he stated.
His comments come amid growing concerns over illegal waste disposal activities at McCarthy Down, with the Assembly maintaining that it is committed to stopping the practice and ensuring proper waste management within the municipality.
