Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive Roland Ayoo says all commercial buses previously parked at the Bolgatanga Jubilee Park have been evacuated, following rising concerns about sanitation and the deteriorating state of the facility.
The move comes weeks after Upper East Regional Minister Donatus Akamugri Atanga criticized residents of the Atulbabisi Electoral Area for littering the park and defecating in its abandoned structures during the most recent National Sanitation Day. His comments drew strong pushback from the Assembly Member for the area, who argued that the filth was largely caused by long-distance drivers and their conductors who had turned the park into an informal bus station.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ayoo confirmed that the Assembly had moved the buses out of the park, though he did not immediately disclose where they were relocated. He said the decision is part of a broader effort to restore order at the facility and prevent future misuse.
Beyond sanitation concerns, the MCE said the deteriorating structures at Jubilee Park—including missing windows, damaged roofing and broken walls—will be addressed in phases. According to him, the Assembly will begin by narrowing the gate that faces the Atulbabisi community and installing a metal door to restrict access.
“It appears to be a bit wide and so that makes it easier for people to break through,” he said. Mr. Ayoo added that the gate will be lockable, with controlled access for Atulbabisi residents who use parts of the park for traditional worship.
He said the Assembly will also work on the main entrance, where he hopes to deploy community police officers around the clock with support from the military. “What we intend doing is to ensure that we have enough security for the main gate. That will reduce the rate at which people enter there,” he said.
Mr.Ayoo noted that the surrounding wall is too low and may be raised or reinforced with wire, possibly an electric barrier, when funds become available.
The MCE also addressed ongoing sanitation issues in other parts of the municipality. He said the Assembly has introduced a temporary “dump-and-pay” system at selected public dumping sites to improve waste management and encourage responsible disposal.
“It is just a temporal measure,” he said. “We need to immediately reduce the indiscriminate dumping and make it a more responsible duty by those who go to dump.”
He explained that people will pay a small fee at the designated sites and be guided on where to dispose of their waste properly. Assembly members have been assigned to oversee the process in the affected areas, including the Magazine zone.
Mr. Ayoo said the municipality will continue to take steps to improve sanitation and safety across Bolgatanga. “I will always be available anytime you want any information from me,” he told the station.
Source: A1 Radio | 101,1Mhz | Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith | Bolgatanga
