Former Member of Parliament, Ras Mubarak, has called for the nationwide adoption of an innovative anti-dumping strategy introduced by Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, describing it as a practical solution to Ghana’s growing sanitation challenges.
In a statement, Mubarak praised the initiative, which encourages residents to report indiscriminate waste disposal by recording offenders and submitting evidence to the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. Under the directive, informants receive 50 percent of fines imposed on offenders.
He described the policy as “genius,” noting that it is self-sustaining since fines collected are used to reward whistleblowers, thereby imposing no additional financial burden on the Assembly while improving sanitation compliance.
Mubarak said the initiative reflects the kind of innovative leadership needed to tackle widespread environmental challenges, particularly the persistent problem of indiscriminate waste disposal across urban communities.
He compared the approach to similar models in parts of the United States, where financial incentives for reporting environmental violations have significantly improved enforcement and deterrence.
According to him, Ghana already has precedents for whistleblower rewards, and the Ashanti Regional Minister’s approach demonstrates how such concepts can be adapted to address pressing local issues.
Mubarak expressed concern over the deteriorating state of sanitation in many parts of the country, citing clogged drains, open gutters and mounting waste as visible signs of inaction by some local authorities. He criticized underperforming Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) for failing to implement creative and effective solutions.
He further urged the Minister for Local Government to assess the performance of regional and district leaders and take action against those who fail to deliver meaningful change.
While acknowledging the impact of Amoakohene’s leadership in the Ashanti Region, Mubarak suggested that the country could benefit more broadly from his expertise. He called on President John Dramani Mahama to consider deploying the regional minister to a national role to scale up such innovative interventions.
He emphasized that the Ashanti initiative provides a clear example of how forward-thinking leadership can drive change, urging other regional ministers to emulate the model to improve sanitation and governance outcomes across the country.
