The General Manager for Private Sector Business (PSG) of Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), Lola Asise Ashitey, has urged the government to provide increased and timely funding support to help the company sustain its operations.
Lola Ashitey appealed during a briefing on Tuesday, as part of a tour of Zoomlion Ghana’s liquid waste treatment and recycling plants in Accra by members of the Parliamentary Press Corps (PPC).
She stressed the critical role SSGL’s six operational plants in Accra, Kumasi, Tamale and other areas have played in improving public health, particularly in reducing cholera outbreaks in the Greater Accra Region.
“Since we began operations in 2017, cholera cases in Greater Accra have significantly declined. The records are clear. We need to replicate this success in all regions to ensure a healthier population that can contribute to national development,” Ashitey stated.
However, she pointed out a major challenge hindering SSGL’s operations: Financial challenges and the improper disposal of solid waste into liquid waste systems.
Lola Ashitey explained that items such as diapers, sanitary pads, and even human remains are often dumped into public toilets and streams, clogging pumps and disrupting the treatment process and increasing the financial burden.
“Ghana is our country. When people irresponsibly dump solid waste into public toilets and streams, it complicates our work. Without these challenges, we could have expanded to 10 treatment plants by now, instead of just six,” she said.
Lola Ashitey called on Ghanaians to adopt responsible waste disposal practices, emphasizing that combating sanitation-related diseases like cholera requires collective effort.
“We don’t want cholera outbreaks happening in other regions to affect our people. We cannot do this alone. Everyone must play their part to ensure proper waste management,” she appealed.
Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited aims to expand its operations nationwide to improve sanitation and public health but requires increased government support and prompt payments.
The General Manager for PSB expressed optimism that with increased government support and timely payments, this vision can be achieved.
“We are grateful for the support we receive, but we need more consistent funding to replicate these plants across the country,” she added.
She stressed that expanding liquid waste treatment facilities would not only reduce waterborne diseases but also create a cleaner and healthier environment for all Ghanaians.