The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has initiated a comprehensive clean-up and desilting operation at the Agbogbloshie Market, the largest food hub in the metropolis.

The operations led by Engineer Solomon Noi, Head of Waste Management at the AMA aim to among other things ensure the unimpeded flow of wastewater in the drains, mitigating the adverse effects of flooding in the area.            

The clean-up operation, which began on Saturday, April 27, 2024, is part of a series of similar initiatives organized by the Assembly to address sanitation challenges in the market and its surroundings.

Solomon Noi explained in an interview that the desilting process is expected to last for a week and a half due to the heavy traffic and congestion experienced at the market, particularly during weekdays and working hours.

He emphasized the importance of removing solid waste and debris from the drains to prevent siltation, which exacerbates flooding adding that the obstruction of water flow by solid waste leads to increased siltation, further complicating drainage systems.

Mr Noi pointed out that despite the construction of the Agbogbloshie market road to facilitate the movement of vehicles, some trucks were illegally parked on the shoulders of the road, exerting undue pressure on the drains.

This, he stated, has resulted in cracks in the road surface, necessitating the reinforcement of the road with concrete to withstand the pressure from stationary vehicles.

Noi called for regular cleanup and desilting operations at the market and appealed to stakeholders to support the Assembly in relocating traders into the main market and prevent them from conducting business on the shoulders of the road. 

He urged shoppers not to purchase goods displayed on the ground, to discourage traders from operating in unhygienic conditions.

As part of the cleanup and desilting exercise, a team from the Assembly engaged with traders and commuters to gain insight into the persistent problem of chocked drains in the market to identify the root causes of the issue, solicit suggestions for addressing it, and encourage traders to support the AMA's efforts to enhance livelihoods and sanitation in the city.

Some commuters attributed the problem of choked drains to inadequate waste disposal containers, while others blamed it on the carelessness of fellow traders who disregard environmental laws and contribute to pollution.

 They disclosed that the problem was leading to widespread illness among traders, as stagnant drains became breeding grounds for diseases and infections.