In a decisive move to uphold public hygiene standards, the AMA Sanitation Court has remanded seven individuals for engaging in open defecation within Accra. The action highlights the city’s ongoing efforts to enforce sanitation laws and maintain a cleaner urban environment.
Court officials noted that the seven offenders were apprehended during routine sanitation patrols conducted by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) enforcement teams. They were charged under local sanitation laws, which prohibit the disposal of human waste in public spaces.
The court sentenced the individuals for violating the city’s sanitation by-laws but gave them the opportunity to settle a fine of 50 penalty units (GH¢600) each. When six of the seven failed to pay by the deadline, the court ordered that they be remanded into custody as stipulated under the law.
The presiding magistrate emphasized that open defecation poses serious health risks, including the spread of diseases like cholera and typhoid, and warned the public that the courts would continue to take stern action against violators.
This latest enforcement move is part of the AMA’s broader “Clean Accra” initiative, aimed at promoting proper waste disposal, public awareness campaigns, and stricter penalties for repeat offenders.
Officials have urged residents to adhere to sanitation regulations, use public toilets, and report violations to prevent similar incidents. The AMA Sanitation Court remains committed to ensuring that Accra becomes a safer, cleaner city for all.
