STMA Warns of Sanitation Crisis Due to Funding Gaps
Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly highlights insufficient funds and calls for dedicated sanitation courts to enforce by-laws.
Nana Yaw Amoako | StatsGH |
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Hon. Frederick Faustinus Faidoo, the Metropolitan Chief Executive of STMA, explained the core problem. Guidelines from the District Assemblies Common Fund restrict sanitation spending. Assemblies can only use 10 percent of their allocated funds for waste management. This small portion is not enough for the extensive needs of a metropolis like Sekondi-Takoradi. Hon. Faidoo also noted that he inherited a sanitation system with few communal waste containers, totaling only 15. Despite these difficulties, the STMA still manages an engineered landfill for waste disposal.
This funding challenge is part of a larger economic picture for Ghana's assemblies. Many Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) struggle with similar financial limitations. The national budget often prioritizes other sectors, leaving sanitation services underfunded. Prior events, like the suspension of fumigation contracts in 2026, have also impacted service delivery. The government's strategy to involve private waste management companies aims to ease the burden. However, this requires proper funding and oversight.
Hon. John Oti Bless, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, confirmed the committee's role. They are assessing sanitation services across Ghana. The goal is to identify operational hurdles and gather direct feedback from assemblies. This engagement is crucial for informing future policy decisions. The committee plans further discussions to analyze findings and propose solutions.
The implications of this funding shortfall are significant. Without adequate resources, the STMA cannot adequately manage waste. This can lead to public health issues and environmental degradation. The push for sanitation courts underscores the need for better enforcement mechanisms. Decision-makers must address the financial limitations faced by MMDAs. Improved sanitation directly impacts the well-being of citizens and the attractiveness of urban areas for investment. The call for dedicated funding sources for initiatives like purchasing cleaning tricycles, currently supported by only 10 procured units, is a clear signal of the immediate financial gap. Edwin Bonsu, Director of Waste Management at STMA, confirmed that staffing for sanitation operations has been reduced from previous arrangements with Zoomlion Ghana Limited due to these financial constraints, with only 20 personnel currently engaged for daily sweeping.