The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has introduced a cash reward scheme to discourage the illegal dumping of waste into drains and water bodies, a major contributor to flooding in Ghana’s capital.
Under the new initiative, members of the public who submit credible video evidence of individuals disposing of refuse into drains or streams, particularly during rainfall, will receive GH¢200 for each offender identified.
Announcing the policy, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey said the measure is part of broader efforts to tackle one of the leading causes of flooding in the city.
“The reward will be paid per offender captured on video, meaning residents who provide evidence implicating multiple individuals could earn substantial sums. For example, successfully identifying five offenders could attract a reward of up to GH¢1,000,” the mayor explained.
Mayor Allotey encouraged residents to submit complete and clear footage that can support enforcement actions.
“If you just have complete evidence, just don’t go. People already come with evidence,” he stated, adding that the Assembly already has several cases and is ready to act once sufficient evidence is provided.
He stressed that successful prosecution depends heavily on the quality of evidence supplied by the public, noting that authorities need clear and conclusive footage to pursue legal action against offenders.
The announcement comes amid Accra’s recurring flooding challenges, where drains clogged by plastic waste, refuse, and debris frequently worsen the impact of heavy rains. Environmental experts and city authorities have long emphasised that while infrastructure upgrades are necessary, changing public attitudes toward waste disposal remains equally important.