A 27-year-old man has been fined GH¢1,200 by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) after a viral social media video captured him sweeping plastic waste onto a public road during a rainstorm in Takoradi.
The offender, identified as Benedict Ackah Dadzie, was arrested by Environmental Health Officers of the Assembly on Monday, June 22, following public outrage over the widely circulated footage recorded on June 19.
According to the Assembly, Dadzie admitted to the offence during investigations and acknowledged that his actions violated Section 6(1) of the STMA Cleansing Bylaw, 2017.
After expressing remorse and appealing for leniency, he was required to sign a written undertaking pledging not to engage in littering or any activity that undermines environmental sanitation efforts within the metropolis.
In addition to the undertaking, the Assembly imposed a spot fine of GH¢1,200 in line with its sanitation enforcement regulations.
The sanction forms part of STMA’s intensified campaign to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal and promote responsible environmental practices among residents.
The Assembly warned that individuals caught violating sanitation regulations would face prosecution or other penalties under existing bylaws.
It also urged households and businesses to support waste management efforts by acquiring approved refuse containers and registering with authorized waste collection service providers.
STMA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy environment through sustained public education, strict enforcement of sanitation laws, and community participation in proper waste disposal practices.
