President John Mahama and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Weija-Gbawe, Hon. Felix Odartey Lamptey
Writer: Investigative Journalist Daniel Benin Ohim
Residents of the Mallam enclave are calling for the immediate intervention of state security agencies and the Ghana Armed Forces over what they describe as the growing activities of heavily armed land guards allegedly protecting an illegal landfill site that has become a major contributor to persistent flooding in the area.
The residents claim the landfill, situated within a critical watercourse near Mallam, has obstructed the natural flow of stormwater, leading to repeated flooding that has destroyed homes, displaced families and damaged public infrastructure whenever heavy rains occur.
According to information gathered during investigations, the disputed site has evolved into an illegal waste receiving station where large quantities of refuse collected by tricycle (“Pragia”) waste operators from various parts of Accra are dumped daily.
Residents allege that attempts by public officials to halt the dumping activities have repeatedly been frustrated by armed men, believed to be land guards, who are said to have taken control of the area and intimidated anyone attempting to interfere with their operations.
Community members further allege that the presence of the armed men has created an atmosphere of fear, making it difficult for municipal authorities and officials to effectively overhaul their activities.
Investigations further suggest that the landfill was allegedly established during the tenure of a former Municipal Chief Executive of the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration and there are signed documents to prove this.
Some residents further claim that an agreement was entered into with private operators to dump waste at the location with the intention of gradually filling portions of the wetlands and waterways before converting the reclaimed land for commercial development.
Residents believe that the continuous dumping of refuse has significantly narrowed or completely blocked sections of natural drainage channels that previously allowed floodwaters to flow freely toward larger water bodies.
Drone images obtained from the area appear to show extensive heaps of waste covering large portions of former waterways, although independent environmental assessments would be required to determine the full extent of the obstruction.
Residents say each rainy season brings renewed devastation as floodwaters overflow into homes and businesses, forcing families to evacuate while roads are washed away by powerful currents searching for alternative paths.
Beyond the flooding, the landfill has reportedly become a breeding ground for flies, mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects, raising concerns about potential outbreaks of sanitation-related sicknesses within surrounding communities.
Some residents argue and posited that the illegal landfill and is the main point of obstruction of waterways.
Business operators in the area also share similar concerns, maintaining that the continued operation of the landfill has unfairly shifted blame onto companies that they believe are not responsible for the recurring floods.
Among the companies reportedly operating within the vicinity are Chinese-owned CAITECH and the VVIP Servicing Office.
Sources close to some businesses claim they are prepared to support efforts aimed at permanently relocating the illegal dumping activities to a more suitable location if government authorities take decisive action.
Residents, however, say little progress has been made despite repeated complaints to the Weija-Gbawe Municipal Assembly, leaving many to question why the alleged activities of the armed land guards have continued unchecked.
The investigation also uncovered another environmental concern involving the selling and stockpiling of building sand beneath sections of the Mallam interchange and surrounding areas.
Residents allege that heavy rains regularly wash large volumes of loose sand into nearby drains and gutters, further reducing the capacity of the drainage system.
Community leaders are now demanding a coordinated operation involving the Ghana Police Service, National Security, the Environmental Protection authorities and, where necessary, the Ghana Armed Forces to dismantle the alleged network of armed land guards and restore public control over the disputed site.
They are also calling for an independent forensic investigation into the circumstances surrounding the establishment of the landfill, including any contracts, permits or official approvals that may have facilitated its operations.
