The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, says government has appealed to the Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) to reconsider its decision to halt waste management operations across the country.
The Minister revealed that the government has been in active engagement with the Association following its recent notice to cease operations by November 6, citing outstanding payments and operational challenges.
“We have pleaded with ESPA to rescind their intended shutdown,” Mr. Ibrahim said. “When ESPA issued their letter giving an ultimatum to government, many media houses reached out to me for comment, but I refused to speak. It wasn’t because I couldn’t; I needed to engage ESPA first. If there’s a challenge, let’s engage.”
The Banda MP noted that discussions with the Association have been constructive and expressed optimism that the matter would be resolved amicably to avoid any disruption to waste collection and sanitation services nationwide.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to working closely with private waste management companies to ensure sustainable sanitation and environmental management across the country.
The Environmental Service Providers Association represents major private waste management firms operating in Ghana.
Their planned industrial action, if carried out, would have affected solid and liquid waste collection services in several metropolitan and municipal areas.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
