The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, Felix Odartey Lamptey, has dismissed allegations linking him to an alleged illegal waste collection scheme operating on a wetland near McCarthy Hills in the Greater Accra Region.

His response follows claims by residents of Mangoline that hundreds of tricycles, popularly known as "aboboyaa," discharge refuse at the site daily after paying fees to individuals who allegedly manage the operation.

According to residents, more than 500 tricycles dump waste at the wetland each day, with operators reportedly charged about GH¢50 per load before being allowed to offload refuse. They contend that the activity has transformed the area into a major environmental and public health concern.

Residents further allege that the operation is being carried out with the knowledge of some municipal officials, including the MCE.

The continued dumping, they say, has resulted in foul odours, an infestation of flies, and stagnant pools of water that provide breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.

Responding to the allegations, Mr. Lamptey categorically denied authorising any individual or group to collect money from waste operators at the site.

He maintained that neither his office nor the Assembly has sanctioned such activities and revealed that the matter has already been referred to National Security for urgent action.

According to the MCE, National Security personnel have since been deployed to the area to halt further dumping and restore order.

He added that a joint operation involving the Assembly's task force and National Security officials will soon be carried out to secure the wetland and permanently stop all unauthorised waste disposal activities.

Mr. Lamptey reaffirmed the Assembly's commitment to protecting the environment and ensuring strict enforcement of sanitation and waste management regulations within the municipality.