Senior Sanitation Officer at the Bolgatanga Municipal Assembly, Seidu Suleimana Akudugu, has raised concerns over the growing indiscipline in waste disposal practices across the municipality, urging residents to adopt more responsible attitudes toward sanitation.
Speaking in an interview on Bolga FM’s Tingmaalgo Sanga on Friday, May 9, 2025, Mr. Akudugu described the rampant and careless dumping of refuse in gutters, water sources, and unauthorized locations as “a mindset problem” that must be urgently addressed.
“We need to change our mentality and the way we think about disposing of garbage,” he stressed. “Some people collect rubbish from their homes, shops, or stores and dump it in gutters or near water bodies. Others even go as far as using tricycles under the cover of night to dump waste wherever they please.”
He pointed to a disturbing example at the uncompleted bridge on the Bolgatanga–Bawku road near the OSA area, which he said has been turned into an unofficial refuse dump.
“We cleared that area just three days ago, but if you visit the site now, the filth is back. This level of indiscipline is unacceptable,” he lamented.
Mr. Akudugu warned that improper waste disposal contributes to environmental degradation and flooding, especially during the rainy season, often resulting in the destruction of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
“Floods don’t just bring water; they come with disease, destruction, and sometimes death,” he cautioned.
He urged residents to make use of refuse containers placed at vantage points throughout Bolgatanga by the Municipal Assembly and Zoomlion Ghana Ltd.
“If you live in Tindonsobligo and there’s no container nearby, move to Estate around ZAMSTEC — there’s a container there,” he advised.
While discouraging the burning of refuse, Mr. Akudugu acknowledged that in the absence of proper facilities, residents could fall back on traditional practices.
“You can gather your rubbish and burn it in the ‘tampure’, the designated refuse area we have in most homes. Or dig a small pit in your yard to safely manage waste,” he suggested.
He also called for a return to eco-friendly practices, such as using straw-woven baskets for market shopping and avoiding polythene packaging.
“Let’s go back to the old ways. We used to carry cups to buy kooko. Today, kooko is sold in polythene, which is harmful to our health.”
Commending community efforts, Mr. Akudugu praised individuals such as Lambert Akunzebe, Assemblyman for Soe Central Electoral Area, and Alhaji Tahiru Ibrahim, known locally as Action Man, Assemblyman for Kotokoli-Zongo Electoral Area, for their commitment to improving sanitation in their communities.
He ended with a call for introspection and personal responsibility.
“This is not about being an indigene and doing what you like. Change must start with each of us. Even the simple act of holding onto a used water sachet until you find a bin can make a difference.”
“Let’s change the way we dispose of waste and rediscover the beauty of Bolgatanga.”
Source: A1RadioOnline.com|101.1 MHz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Bolgatanga
