Mahama Ayariga pledges support for Kumasi Central Market fire victims

Mahama Ayariga commends military for Agbogbloshie waste evacuation

The Minister of Local Government, Mahama Ayariga, has commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their significant progress in the ongoing waste evacuation exercise at Agbogbloshie. During a recent visit to the site near the Odaw River, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the military's efforts to clear the heavily polluted area. The project, which was commissioned by President John Mahama, is a vital step toward reclaiming the land and restoring the environmental health of the capital's central business district. According to details provided by Colonel Emmanuel Asia, the military has intensified its operations to ensure the timely completion of the task. This includes the implementation of night hauls, a strategy designed to speed up the removal of waste while avoiding the heavy daytime traffic in the Agbogbloshie and Korle Bu areas. The Minister urged the personnel to maintain this pace, stressing that the early completion of the evacuation is essential for the next phase of the development. Once the waste removal is finalized, the government plans to begin dredging the Odaw River to prevent flooding and further pollution. Minister Ayariga revealed that the long-term vision for the site is its transformation into an eco-tourism destination. He also used the opportunity to call for private sector involvement, encouraging donations and technical support to ensure that the project's ambitious goals are met and sustained for the benefit of the community. The Agbogbloshie evacuation is part of a broader government strategy to address urban environmental challenges. By converting a formerly hazardous area into a green space, the administration aims to improve the quality of life for residents and create new economic opportunities. The successful completion of this exercise will mark a major milestone in the restoration of the Odaw River basin and the modernization of Accra’s urban landscape.