- Residents of Asonomaso in the Kwabre East Municipality of the Ashanti Region are appealing to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for urgent intervention as a long-standing dumping site in their community has escalated into a serious public health hazard. The site, which has existed for over 60 years, has been neglected for decades, producing unbearable odors and emitting pollutants that are now threatening the health and safety of residents.
People living near the site report that the stench is so overpowering that they are often confined indoors, unable to carry out normal daily activities. The situation has also caused tension between landlords and tenants, with many residents requesting rent reductions or threatening to vacate their homes due to the unbearable smell and the potential health risks linked to prolonged exposure.
“This has gone beyond mere discomfort. Our children are coughing constantly, and adults are experiencing breathing difficulties. We feel abandoned and helpless,” lamented one resident, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The community has made repeated appeals to the Kwabre East Municipal Assembly, urging the evacuation and proper management of the site to prevent potential outbreaks of airborne diseases and safeguard public health.
Former Assembly Member, Hon. Kwadwo Appiah, expressed disappointment at the inaction of current local authorities. He emphasized the urgent need for the MCE to address the situation without delay to prevent a looming health crisis.
“I am deeply concerned that a danger this serious has been ignored for so long. I appeal to Hon. Joseph Amankwah, the Municipal Chief Executive, to intervene immediately and protect the lives of the residents of Asonomaso,” Hon. Appiah stated.
The situation at Asonomaso highlights the urgent need for effective waste management strategies and proactive municipal oversight. Without timely intervention, the health and well-being of residents will remain under severe threat, and the community could face outbreaks of airborne illnesses.
As residents continue to live under these hazardous conditions, their appeal to the Municipal Assembly and government authorities reflects not just a demand for immediate action but also a plea for dignity, safety, and a healthy living environment. The community hopes that swift intervention will finally bring relief and prevent further deterioration of public health in Asonomaso.
