Residents of Accra can now earn cash rewards for helping authorities identify people who illegally dump refuse into drains and water bodies, as city officials intensify efforts to tackle flooding and improve sanitation across the capital.
The initiative was announced by Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who revealed that residents who provide credible video evidence of individuals disposing of waste into gutters, drains or streams during rainfall will receive a reward of GH¢200 for every offender successfully identified. The move forms part of a broader campaign aimed at addressing one of the major causes of perennial flooding in Accra.
According to the Mayor, the reward scheme is designed to encourage public participation in enforcing sanitation regulations and holding offenders accountable. He explained that the AMA has already received several reports of illegal dumping but often faces challenges prosecuting offenders because of inadequate evidence. As a result, authorities are now calling on residents to actively assist by recording and reporting offenders.
“Just have complete evidence,” the Mayor urged, emphasizing that authorities require clear and usable footage to pursue legal action against culprits. He noted that partial recordings or unclear videos often make prosecution difficult and limit the Assembly’s ability to enforce sanitation laws effectively.
Under the scheme, rewards are calculated per offender. This means that a resident who submits evidence identifying multiple offenders can receive significantly higher payouts. For instance, someone who provides valid evidence against five different offenders could earn as much as GH¢1,000. The Assembly believes this incentive will encourage citizens to become active participants in protecting the city’s drainage systems.
The announcement comes at a time when Accra is once again grappling with severe flooding following heavy rains. Blocked drains filled with plastic waste, household refuse and debris have repeatedly been identified as a major factor worsening flood conditions across many communities. Urban planners, environmental experts and local authorities have long argued that while infrastructure improvements remain important, changing public attitudes toward waste disposal is equally critical in solving the city’s flooding challenges.
Flooding has become a recurring problem in Accra, affecting homes, businesses and transportation networks. Every rainy season, several parts of the city experience inundation as drainage channels become clogged with waste. The situation has often resulted in property damage, displacement of residents and, in some cases, loss of lives.
The AMA has in recent months stepped up enforcement measures against sanitation violations as part of efforts to create a cleaner and safer city. Mayor Allotey has repeatedly stressed that maintaining clean drains is not solely the responsibility of government agencies but requires cooperation from residents and businesses alike. The latest reward programme reflects the Assembly’s attempt to involve citizens directly in tackling the problem.
Environmental advocates have welcomed the initiative, describing it as an innovative approach that could strengthen enforcement and increase public awareness about the consequences of indiscriminate waste disposal. They argue that financial incentives may motivate residents to take a more active role in safeguarding public infrastructure and preserving the environment.
However, some observers have also called for complementary measures, including intensified public education campaigns, stricter penalties for offenders, improved waste collection services and continued investment in drainage infrastructure. They contend that long term solutions will require a combination of enforcement, behavioural change and infrastructure development.
The reward scheme is expected to operate alongside ongoing decongestion and sanitation programmes being implemented by the AMA. Authorities hope that increased public vigilance will discourage people from using drains as dumping grounds and help reduce the accumulation of waste that contributes to flooding during heavy rainfall.
As Accra continues to search for lasting solutions to its sanitation and flooding challenges, city officials are betting that ordinary residents can become an important part of the answer. By rewarding those who help expose offenders, the Assembly hopes to create a culture where protecting public spaces becomes a shared civic responsibility rather than solely a government obligation.
No Casualties Recorded in Sunday’s Flooding – NADMO