A massive beach cleanup and coastal restoration project along Accra's Chorkor Chemuena–Lante Maamli stretch has cleared more than four decades of accumulated waste. This initiative, spanning a year and concluding its main operational phase in April 2026, represents a significant environmental effort for Ghana's capital.
The project tackled deeply embedded waste through a combination of heavy machinery and community action. From April 21 to 24, excavators, backhoes, and tipper trucks worked to remove vast amounts of rubbish. A volunteer-led cleanup on April 25 brought residents and community groups together to restore the shoreline.
This cleanup is one of the largest of its kind in Ghana. It aims to revitalise a critically impacted coastal area, improving its ecological balance and community value. Accra's coastline is vital for local fishing communities and has potential for tourism. Restoring it also reduces health risks linked to accumulated waste.
Key partners supported this large-scale endeavour. The Ghana Russia Center for Commerce and Relations (GRCCR), led by CEO John Aggrey and Head of Business Development Ziona Ayorkor Holm, played a crucial role. Other significant contributors included Clifton Homes, Reiss & Co, the Ghana Recycling Initiative by Private Enterprises (GRIPE), and Ecozoil. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) collaborated closely with Mayekoo for smooth implementation and future sustainability. Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey visited the site to endorse the project. Alfred Oko Vanderpuije, MP for Ablekuma South, also engaged with the project, highlighting the need for better coastal sanitation.
Robert Mills-Lamptey, Partnerships and Programmes Lead at Mayekoo, stated the cleanup's importance. "The sheer scale of waste along this stretch of coastline is a stark reflection of years of neglect and unmanaged disposal," he said. "This cleanup is about so much more than just removing what has accumulated over time. It is fundamentally about restoring dignity to the communities who live and depend on these shores, about dramatically improving environmental conditions for all, and most importantly, it is a powerful demonstration of what is truly possible when public, private, and community partners unite with a shared vision and purpose."
The project's integrated approach combines heavy clearing with community participation. This model aims for lasting environmental impact beyond the initial cleanup. The timing also aligned with World Earth Day on April 22. The GRCCR highlighted its commitment to environmental stewardship and climate change adaptation.