By Muyid Deen Suleman, GNA
Kumasi Jan. 15, GNA – Residents of Aboabo, Akwatialine, Asawase and other adjoining communities in the Asokore-Mampong Municipality have called on the authorities to regulate the activities of scrap dealers in the area.
The indiscriminate burning of used lorry tires and waste metal materials that release harmful toxic chemicals into the atmosphere is making it particularly difficult for vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, to breathe.
This is creating significant pressure on the health and wellbeing of residents.
Reports have shown that prolonged exposure to such pollutants can lead to serious respiratory issues, prompting some residents to express their growing concern over the situation.
Some residents, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, during a visit to the communities to assess the situation, appealed to the municipal authority and the government to take immediate action to regulate the open burning of used tires, cables, and metal waste, before the situation escalates further and poses a greater threat to public health.
Mallam Zakari, a longtime resident of Aboabo, shared his frustrations with the GNA, stating that, it was extremely disheartening to witness the health of many residents deteriorating gradually, due to the constant inhalation of smoke produced by these activities.
He lamented that any time the community attempted to intervene and stop the scrap dealers, it often resulted in confrontations, and on some occasions, physical confrontation breaks out.
Another resident, Hajia Meimunatu, explained that the residents had on several occasion, made concerted efforts to reach out to the local assembly for assistance in curbing these harmful activities, but all attempts had proven futile.
She expressed her suspicion that local authorities might have accepted the scrap dealers, which could explain their inaction, and this ongoing issue was adversely affecting the health of the community.
Hajia Meimunatu noted that, the pollution levels in the area had reached an alarming point, calling for decisive and firm action from the relevant authorities to address the crisis.
Hospitals in the area are increasingly reporting a surge in cases of respiratory problems, chest pain, and eye irritation, all linked to the smoke inhaled by residents.
Despite numerous attempts to contact the assemblyman to hear his perspective on the matter, efforts to reach him have proven unsuccessful, leaving residents feeling frustrated and neglected.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Kenneth Odeng Adade