The successful operation of Sewage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL) hinges on the timely disbursement of government payments for services rendered.

This was emphasised during a tour by members of the Parliamentary Press Corps of SSGL’s project facilities in Accra on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. SSGL’s General Manager, Lola Asiseh Ashitey, highlighted the challenges the company faces.

She stated that although SSGL plays a critical role in addressing Ghana’s wastewater management challenges operating six treatment plants nationwide and planning to expand to all 16 regions, delayed government payments significantly threaten its ability to function smoothly and expand its services.

According to her, SSGL relies heavily on government payments to maintain operations, including equipment maintenance and personnel costs. However, delayed disbursements have resulted in cash flow constraints, hindering the company’s ability to scale up and provide efficient services.

“The government’s timely payment for our services is crucial to our operations,” Ashitey stressed.

“Delayed payments affect our ability to maintain equipment, pay staff, and expand our services to other regions,” she lamented.

Additionally, Asiseh Ashitey revealed that SSGL faces several operational challenges, including liquid waste mixed with solid waste, which causes pipe blockages and disrupts operations.

“Limited support and patronage, along with high operational costs, also hinder the company’s ability to expand nationwide and scale operations across Africa,” she noted.

She detailed how the company, established in 2017, has revolutionized wastewater treatment in Ghana.

“Before our establishment, wastewater was discharged directly into the sea. Today, we treat wastewater from homes, process faecal waste, and operate six treatment plants in locations such as Lavender Hill, Kotoku, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Our goal is to establish treatment plants in all 16 regions of Ghana,” she assured.

Beyond waste treatment, the company maximizes its by-products. Solid waste is converted into charcoal and compost, while liquid waste is repurposed for irrigation.

“We ensure the proper disposal of both solid and liquid waste while promoting reuse for environmental sustainability,” she said.

Currently, Asiseh Ashitey pointed out that only 5% of Ghana is connected to a sewage system, with covered areas including Cantonments, Parliament House, Akosombo, parts of Osu, and sections of the University of Ghana.

The media team also visited the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant (ACARP), where Assistant Plant Manager Benjamin Asante-Ayeh walked journalists through the facility’s operations.

According to him, ACARP processes municipal solid waste, recovering plastics, rubber, and organic materials with an impressive 70% recycling recovery rate. The plant also produces organic compost for farmlands and manufactures items like dustbins and buckets from recycled plastics.

“At ACARP, we cherish waste because we see its potential. With the right interventions, we can transform discarded materials into valuable, reusable products,” Asante-Ayeh stated.

He noted that while government support has helped reduce some operational costs, more investment is needed.

The company has also established Integrated Recycling and Compost Plants (IRECOPs)—smaller recycling facilities across Ghana—and is expanding operations into Africa.

Speaking to the media, ACARP’s Managing Director, Michael Padi Tuwor, revealed that the company is strengthening partnerships with other African countries, including Guinea, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Nigeria.

“Our mission is to transform waste management across the continent. Though public awareness is still low, we are seeing progress as more Ghanaians recognize the importance of proper waste disposal,” Tuwor noted.

He encouraged Ghanaians to store waste properly for collection instead of disposing of it indiscriminately, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future.

Following their visit to ACARP, the Parliamentary Press Corps toured Zoomlion’s Transfer Station at Pantang-Abokobi.

At this facility, waste is collected and sorted before being transported to landfill sites. The transfer station helps cut transportation costs by reducing the distance waste travels to landfills. Instead of small waste transport vehicles heading directly to landfill sites, they deliver waste to this station, where it is sorted and consolidated.

Operations Supervisor Cephas Awuku briefed the media on the facility’s operations, explaining that tricycles transporting waste to the station are registered to ensure an organized and efficient process.

A representative of Zoomlion, Emma Adwoa-Appia Osei-Duah, thanked the media for participating in the tour.

She reiterated the company’s commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment and called for stricter enforcement of environmental by-laws to support waste management initiatives and strengthen government partnerships.

She also stressed the importance of waste bins in households, urging citizens to take care of them to prevent loss or misuse.

“We all generate waste, which is why we must ensure proper disposal. When we work together, we can create a cleaner and healthier environment. Zoomlion and its sister companies remain committed to achieving this goal,” she assured.

SP/MA

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