The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to urgently direct the payment of outstanding arrears owed to its members for services provided since January 2024. ESPA's Executive Secretary, Ms. Ama Ofori Antwi, warned that the delay in payments has put many environmental service providers at risk of collapsing, and failure to act quickly could lead to a sanitation and public health crisis.
Ms. Ofori Antwi stated that if the government does not release the funds by November 7, 2025, waste management contractors may be forced to shut down landfill sites and waste treatment facilities nationwide. She emphasized that without the release of payments, operations could not continue, and this could trigger a national health emergency.
The sector is facing severe financial strain, with many ESPA members struggling due to low fees set by local authorities. Some companies have even resorted to borrowing to stay afloat, but these financial supports have now run out. Despite engaging the Ministry of Local Government and other authorities, little progress has been made. ESPA is now calling for immediate government intervention to resolve the financial challenges facing its members.
Ms. Ofori Antwi stated that if the government does not release the funds by November 7, 2025, waste management contractors may be forced to shut down landfill sites and waste treatment facilities nationwide. She emphasized that without the release of payments, operations could not continue, and this could trigger a national health emergency.
The sector is facing severe financial strain, with many ESPA members struggling due to low fees set by local authorities. Some companies have even resorted to borrowing to stay afloat, but these financial supports have now run out. Despite engaging the Ministry of Local Government and other authorities, little progress has been made. ESPA is now calling for immediate government intervention to resolve the financial challenges facing its members.
