The 80-acre land at Agbogloshie which was reclaimed from onion sellers has devolved into a site for open defecation and an unauthorized dumpsite, contrary to the initial intentions of the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) when it relocated the traders in 2021.
Despite being fenced off, the land is now covered with piles of solid waste, and the once-vibrant settlement has transformed into an environmentally hazardous area, marked by smoke and pollution. The seemingly protective wall does little to prevent encroachment, as spaces meant for gates provide easy access for trespassers, according to a report by Graphic Online.
The land, which also houses the Old Fadama Clinic, is exposed to various pollutants, posing health risks to both health workers and patients.
The Greater Accra Regional Minister is said to have noted that the responsibility to protect the land lies with the Ablekuma Central Municipal Assembly, the local authority with territorial jurisdiction.
While the GARCC secured the area and relocated the onion sellers and scrap dealers, the current state of the reclaimed land raises concerns about environmental management and public health.
“It’s not the Regional Minister’s responsibility to prevent people from dumping refuse or defecating on the land.
“I took the risk of relocating the traders, something which couldn’t be done in over 30 years, so I’ve done my part and the rest is for the assembly to protect the place,” Mr Quartey stated.
Agbogbloshie, characterized by environmentalists as the second most hazardous place on earth due to heavy and acidic smoke from open burning of waste, saw the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC) relocate traders in 2021 under the “Let’s Make Accra Work” initiative.
The GARCC, led by Regional Minister Henry Quartey, had plans for a redevelopment scheme, intended to submit it to the Cabinet for approval and give the area a facelift.
A portion of the land was also allocated for a modern health facility as part of the government’s Agenda 111 initiative. However, after two-and-a-half years since reclamation, none of these projects has materialized, leaving the land undeveloped.
Residents, sharing their sentiments with the Daily Graphic, expressed disappointment with the current state of affairs, stating that they had initially held high expectations for the area when the onion sellers were relocated.
The residents believe that the unfolding events are a clear indication that the government might have had a different motive for relocating the traders, given the current lack of progress and development on the reclaimed land.