The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerian national, Yusif Dahiru, for allegedly engaging in illegal waste dumping and extorting money from residents at an unauthorised site near UTC in Accra.

According to the Assembly’s Head of Public Affairs, Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the suspect was apprehended around 3:00 a.m. on Monday following a tip-off.

He explained that Dahiru had stationed himself at the location and was receiving refuse from the public as though he had official approval to operate a waste disposal service there.

The suspect is alleged to have collected money from unsuspecting residents under the guise of authorised waste management, reportedly claiming he was working under a supervisor.

However, during interrogation, Dahiru denied being an official waste collector, though he admitted to assisting people by moving refuse to the site for a fee.

The AMA says investigations are ongoing as it steps up enforcement against illegal dumping and sanitation-related offences across the capital.