The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has initiated an emergency waste evacuation exercise to address the situation of mounting piles of refuse at various collection points across the metropolis.

The decision follows a failure by its partners Zoomlion Ghana Limited to collect waste from some public sites since the evening of Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

Speaking on behalf of the Assembly, the Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah described the situation as alarming, particularly given the current threat of cholera outbreaks.

He pointed out that the decision by the Assembly to deploy its sanitation task force and resources to clear the refuse was to avert any unfortunate health consequences.

"This accumulation of waste had resulted in the inability of road users to have access to go about their normal duties and other inconveniences," he said.

"The situation is critical and we cannot afford to delay action.

The evacuation exercise is being carried out urgently to restore normalcy as quickly as possible," he emphasised.

He called on stakeholders, including Zoomlion Ghana Limited, to step up their efforts in maintaining waste management standards. 

He urged residents to cooperate with sanitation workers during the evacuation exercise and report any refuse build-ups to the Assembly.

"This is a collaborative effort, and we urge all stakeholders to support the Assembly in safeguarding public health and ensuring a clean city," he said.

He assured the public of the AMA's commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment adding that the Assembly was taking all necessary measures to prevent a recurrence of this situation.