Sunyani: The Sunyani Municipal 'Adolescent Parliament' has raised concerns over the Sunyani 'Zongo dumpsite', commonly known as the 'Zongo Borla', identifying it as a hub and breeding ground for criminal activities in the Bono Regional capital.
According to Ghana News Agency, Master Daniel Sarkodie-Frimpong, the 'Speaker' of the Parliament, stated that the site is notorious for open defecation, drug use, and criminal activities, particularly theft. He emphasized that over 80 percent of reported theft cases in Sunyani occur in or around the area, with many adolescents both involved in and victimized by these crimes. He urged President John Dramani Mahama to take immediate action, pointing out that previous efforts by the government through the World Bank-funded Secondary City Project to evacuate and rehabilitate the site have seen limited success.
Master Sarkodie-Frimpong made this appeal during the Second Adolescent Parliamentary Sitting and Bi-annual policy and performance hearing of the Parliament in Sunyani, addressing the topic 'Strengthening and enforcing sanitation laws: Addressing the Sunyani Zongo Dumpsite as a key step toward a clean and safe city for adolescents'. The Sunyani-based Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), an NGO focused on anti-corruption, human rights, and media advocacy, inaugurated the 'parliament' under the Resilient City for Adolescents (RC4) project it is implementing in the municipality.
GloMeF utilizes social and behavior change communication, rights, and evidence-based research approaches to facilitate inclusive development programs targeting young people, women, children, and other vulnerable groups. Master Sarkodie-Frimpong noted that the 'Zongo Borla' has long been a hub of environmental degradation and dangerous activities that pose severe risks to adolescents and the broader community. Structures within the site have become hotspots for drug sales and consumption, creating a cycle of risky behavior and insecurity.
Despite some clearance work, the site remains hazardous, exposing residents to increased health risks, including cholera outbreaks and waterborne diseases. Open defecation has become normalized, exacerbating sanitation challenges. GloMeF, through the RC4A project, has proposed converting the site into a safe and inclusive recreational center for adolescents. However, the transformation has been hindered by the contractor's inability to complete and hand over the site, leaving the community in a state of neglect and danger.
Master Sarkodie-Frimpong expressed concern over the increased exposure to pathogens due to unregulated dumping, open defecation, and partially cleared debris, heightening the risk of cholera outbreaks, dysentery, and skin infections. He highlighted the prevalence of theft and illegal activities, such as drug dealing and smoking, placing adolescents in danger of being recruited into criminal behavior or falling victim to violence. Adolescents living near or interacting with the dumpsite face stigma, limiting their integration into positive community activities and opportunities for personal development.
If left unaddressed, the ongoing issues at the dumpsite could worsen, leading to a public health crisis and further entrenching criminal activities. Therefore, Master Sarkodie-Frimpong called on the President to intervene so that city authorities would expedite action for the evacuation and leveling of the site. Mr. Edward Ayabilah, the Programme Manager at GloMeF, stated that by addressing the Sunyani Zongo dumpsite and harmful drug consumption as critical urban issues, the adolescent parliament will highlight the need for integrated and youth-led approaches to sustainable urban development.
With their active participation, adolescents can ensure that Sunyani becomes a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive city that prioritizes their needs while contributing to the achievement of long-term sustainability goals. In a highlight, Mr. Ayabilah mentioned that the implementation of the three-year project commenced about a year and a half ago and is making a significant impact on adolescents. He commended the Swiss Botnar Foundation for funding the project.
