Ghana to overhaul waste collection with new vehicles and digital payments

The Ghanaian government is planning to overhaul household waste collection by phasing out the 'Aboboyaa' tricycle system. Local Government Minister Mahama Ayariga announced that the current method will be replaced by purpose-built waste collection vehicles designed to discharge waste mechanically at designated transfer stations. From these stations, larger trucks will transport the waste to landfill sites.

To support this transition, the government is working with the Finance Minister to secure investment for the new fleet. Additionally, a new electronic payment system is being developed in collaboration with banks and fintech companies. This platform will allow households to pay for services digitally, including via mobile money.

The new system will also incorporate a weighing mechanism at transfer stations. The quantity of waste discharged will be used to calculate payments to collection operators. To improve efficiency, the government intends to construct transfer stations within a maximum distance of five kilometres from communities.