The Berekum Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hajia Fatimatu Abubakar, has directed the immediate evacuation of a long-standing refuse dumpsite located within the Berekum Zongo community. This decisive action is a crucial step towards enhancing sanitation and safeguarding public health within the municipality. Recognizing the potential health hazards posed by the accumulated waste, Hajia Abubakar instructed the Assembly’s engineering department to utilize the earth-moving equipment provided through the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP) to efficiently clear the site. The DRIP initiative, established by the previous administration, distributed machinery to various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country to support infrastructure development projects. By leveraging these resources for the dumpsite cleanup, the Berekum Assembly demonstrates its proactive approach to addressing pressing environmental concerns.
The MCE’s intervention stems from the growing concern over the dumpsite’s detrimental impact on the surrounding community. In an interview with media representatives, Hajia Abubakar highlighted the site’s evolution into a significant nuisance, posing a serious threat to public health. The accumulation of waste provides a breeding ground for disease vectors and creates unsanitary conditions that can easily lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases. This proactive measure underscores the Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of its residents and mitigating the risks associated with inadequate waste management. The evacuation of the dumpsite signifies a critical step towards creating a healthier and more hygienic environment for the Zongo community and the municipality at large.
Hajia Abubakar emphasized the Berekum Municipal Assembly’s unwavering dedication to improving sanitation throughout the municipality. Recognizing that effective waste management is crucial for preventing disease outbreaks and promoting overall public health, the Assembly is committed to implementing sustainable solutions to address the challenges posed by waste disposal. This commitment reflects a broader national agenda to enhance sanitation standards across Ghana. By investing in infrastructure improvements, strengthening waste collection services, and promoting community engagement in waste management practices, the Assembly aims to create a cleaner and healthier environment for all residents.
Furthermore, Hajia Abubakar took the opportunity to extend her appreciation to both formal and informal sector workers across the nation for their invaluable contributions to holistic national development. Her message coincided with the annual Workers’ Day (May Day 2025) celebrations, a day dedicated to recognizing the hard work and dedication of the workforce that drives economic progress and societal well-being. The MCE’s acknowledgment highlights the vital role played by individuals across all sectors in contributing to the nation’s growth and prosperity. By acknowledging their efforts, she reinforced the importance of collaboration between government, industry, and labor to achieve shared national goals.
In conjunction with the dumpsite evacuation, the Berekum Municipal Assembly has issued a stern warning to residents against further dumping of refuse at the cleared site. This measure is crucial to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup effort and to prevent the resurgence of unsanitary conditions. The Assembly recognizes that sustainable waste management requires the active participation of the community. Therefore, they are implementing measures to educate residents about proper waste disposal practices and to promote responsible waste management behavior. This will involve public awareness campaigns, community engagement initiatives, and the enforcement of sanitation regulations to deter illegal dumping and promote a culture of environmental responsibility.
The evacuation of the Zongo community dumpsite and the accompanying measures demonstrate the Berekum Municipal Assembly’s commitment to prioritizing public health and creating a cleaner environment for its residents. By addressing the immediate health hazard and implementing strategies for sustainable waste management, the Assembly is taking significant steps towards achieving its sanitation goals. Coupled with the recognition of the workforce’s contribution to national development, this action highlights the importance of collaborative efforts to improve the well-being of communities and contribute to the overall progress of the nation. The Assembly’s proactive approach serves as a model for other municipalities seeking to address similar challenges and promote sustainable development.
