The Member of Parliament for Chiana-Paga Constituency in the Upper East region, Nikyema Billa Alamzy, has called for a decentralized approach to waste management in Ghana, arguing that the current system, which places sole responsibility on Zoomlion Ghana Limited, should be reconsidered for more effective waste disposal.
Speaking on Tuesday in Parliament during his maiden statement after being sworn in on 6th January 2025, Mr. Alamzy stressed the need for broader participation in waste management, particularly at the district level.
“And what I want to say, I don’t know how many might feel, but the two parties are all guilty of it. Is that we don’t try to decentralize our waste management system. We will be having a single company in Ghana, managing every district’s waste. That is a problem. So, to me, I will advise and plead with the house so that we look into it and try to decentralize it so that even if we have companies in the districts, that would be managing the district’s waste, it would be better than centralizing it for one company to manage it in Ghana,” he stated.
The Member of Parliament for the Chiana-Paga constituency made the remarks following a briefing by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh on the ongoing cholera and meningitis outbreaks in the country. According to the minister, Ghana has recorded 6,145 cholera cases, with 719 confirmed infections and 49 deaths.
It was in this regard that Mr. Alamzy believes that decentralizing waste management will help prevent the spread of cholera by ensuring proper waste disposal at the district level. The MP also emphasized the importance of public education on waste management and the dangers of cholera, urging health authorities and municipal assemblies to intensify sensitization efforts.
“But the question is, are we educating our people enough? The education that we are giving, is it adequate? That is the question. Are we telling our people that we can prevent it in a way? That is a question we are yet to answer,” he said.
According to Mr. Alamzy, ensuring access to clean and safe drinking water is a key factor in the fight against cholera. He emphasized that drinking boiled water, filtered water, or properly processed mineral water can significantly reduce the risk of infection. He also raised concerns about sanitation challenges, particularly the lack of access to proper toilet facilities in many parts of the country.
“Does everyone have access to proper toilet facilities? No. How do we dispose of human waste? That is a problem,” he lamented.
The MP stressed that tackling cholera requires a holistic approach that prioritizes education, proper waste management, and improved sanitation at both personal and community levels.
“Education must go in very well so that we can do away with cholera. Waste management is the way to go, whether it is personal hygiene or community hygiene,” he added.
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