Ashanti Minister calls for specialized sanitation court to tackle Ghana’s waste crisis
Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene has urged the judiciary to establish a dedicated sanitation court to fast‑track prosecutions and strengthen enforcement of environmental laws, warning that Ghana’s waste problem has outpaced existing measures.
Speaking at the Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary Lecture Series at Manhyia Palace, under the patronage of Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Amoakohene appealed directly to Chief Justice Paul Baffoe‑Bonnie to champion the initiative. He argued that indiscriminate waste disposal and poor sanitation practices persist despite clean‑up campaigns and public education, largely because offenders face delayed trials that blunt the deterrent effect of the law.
“The fight against filth requires more than periodic clean‑up exercises. It demands strict enforcement of our sanitation laws and a judicial system that can respond promptly to violations,” the minister said.
The proposed court would focus exclusively on sanitation‑related offences, ensuring swift adjudication and timely sanctions. Officials believe such a mechanism could reinforce compliance, improve environmental standards, and support efforts to build cleaner, healthier communities nationwide.
The call came during a lecture series reflecting on the evolution of Ghana’s justice system and its role in national development. Stakeholders, including judges, traditional leaders, government officials and legal practitioners, discussed how specialized courts could address pressing social challenges.
If adopted, the sanitation court would join Ghana’s growing roster of specialized tribunals, from commercial courts to human rights divisions, and could mark a turning point in the country’s struggle against urban filth. For residents of Kumasi and beyond, the appeal signals a push to match civic responsibility with judicial urgency.
Source: myjoyonline.com
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