Accra, the bustling capital of Ghana, is often seen as a symbol of Africa’s economic growth, cultural vibrancy, and modern urbanization. Known for its historical landmarks, warm hospitality, and rapidly growing real estate market, it’s no surprise that Accra has become one of the most expensive cities to live in on the continent.
1) The Hidden Crisis in Accra
However, a recent visit by an African American tourist to one of the city’s beaches revealed a troubling side of Accra that is often overlooked—the city’s waste management crisis. Her frustration and anger stemmed from the shocking disparity between the cost of living in Accra and the appalling state of its public spaces, particularly its beaches.
2) Accra, Ghana – A City of Contrasts
Accra’s appeal lies in its unique blend of old and new. From upscale neighborhoods like Airport Residential and East Legon, where high-end real estate developments attract foreign investors and wealthy locals, to the lively markets of Makola and Osu, Accra offers a wide range of experiences.
3) Filthy Beaches in Africa’s Expensive City
The city’s infrastructure is rapidly developing, with new highways, shopping malls, and international hotels sprouting up across the city. As Ghana’s economy grows, so too does the cost of living in Accra. The city has been ranked as one of the most expensive in Africa, largely due to the high cost of real estate, imported goods, and services.
4) Tourist Shocked by Dirty Beaches in Accra
Yet, as the tourist in the video pointed out, the high cost of living seems incongruous with the state of the city’s public areas. In her visit to a local beach, she was visibly upset by the amount of trash littering the shore and the murky, brown water.
5) Is This Africa’s Priciest City?
Her disappointment was palpable as she exclaimed, “How is this city one of the most expensive cities to live in on this continent, and the beaches look like this? It’s disgusting.” Her words echo a sentiment that is increasingly being voiced by residents and visitors alike: despite its rapid modernization and economic growth, Accra is grappling with serious environmental challenges that threaten its appeal and livability.
6) A Growing Plastic Crisis
The tourist’s main grievance was the sheer amount of plastic waste that had accumulated on the beach. Plastic pollution is a global issue, but in Accra, it has reached alarming levels. The city’s beaches, once pristine and inviting, are now covered in plastic bottles, bags, and other debris.
7) The Costly City with a Serious Waste Problem
The problem is not confined to the beaches; throughout the city, plastic waste clogs drains, pollutes rivers, and mars the beauty of public spaces. The lack of proper waste disposal systems has exacerbated the issue, with much of the city’s waste ending up in the ocean. Accra’s plastic crisis is a reflection of a broader issue in Ghana.
8) Why Are Accra’s Beaches Covered in Trash?
The country produces around 1.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, but only a small fraction of it is properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfills, water bodies, or is burned, releasing harmful toxins into the air. The tourist’s dismay at seeing the polluted beach was a stark reminder of the environmental toll that unchecked plastic waste is taking on the city.
9) Waste Management Woes
In addition to the plastic problem, Accra faces a broader waste management challenge. The tourist in the video pointed out that the city has a “waste management problem” and that there is a collective responsibility to address it. Indeed, the city’s waste management infrastructure is struggling to keep up with the growing population and increasing levels of waste.
10) A Tourist’s Disappointment in Accra
Accra’s waste management is handled by both the government and private waste collection companies. However, inefficient collection services, poor landfill management, and inadequate recycling facilities have resulted in widespread littering and illegal dumping. The Korle Lagoon, once a vital part of Accra’s ecosystem, is now heavily polluted with waste, earning it the nickname “one of the most polluted bodies of water in the world.”
11) Exploring Accra’s Dirty Secret
The government has made efforts to address the waste management crisis, including launching campaigns to clean up the city and imposing fines on those caught littering. However, enforcement of these laws remains weak, and public awareness of the importance of waste disposal and recycling is still low. Without a comprehensive and coordinated effort to improve waste collection, disposal, and recycling systems, Accra’s waste problem will continue to worsen.
12) Environmental Responsibility
The tourist’s outrage was not just directed at the government or waste management authorities, but also at the residents of Accra. “We have a responsibility,” she said, emphasizing that tackling the waste problem requires collective action from both authorities and citizens. This sentiment is crucial in addressing the environmental challenges facing Accra. While better waste management systems are necessary, individual behavior also plays a significant role in the city’s cleanliness.
13) Filth Amid High Living Costs
Littering is a common issue in Accra, with many residents discarding trash in public spaces without regard for the consequences. This lack of environmental awareness is compounded by the absence of public bins and waste disposal facilities in many parts of the city. The result is a city where waste is often left to accumulate in streets, drains, and waterways, contributing to flooding during the rainy season and polluting the environment.
14) Beaches Are Polluted in Ghana
Efforts to raise public awareness about the importance of waste disposal and recycling are slowly gaining traction. Environmental organizations and community groups are working to educate residents about the impact of littering and the need to reduce plastic use. However, these initiatives are often underfunded and lack the widespread reach needed to create lasting change.
15) Accra’s Future – A Call to Action
Accra’s environmental challenges are not unique to the city; they are reflective of a broader issue facing many rapidly growing urban centers in Africa. As cities expand and populations grow, waste management systems are often unable to keep pace with the increasing volume of waste. The result is pollution, environmental degradation, and a decline in the quality of life for residents.
16) Africa’s Expensive City Is Dirty
The tourist’s frustration with the state of Accra’s beaches highlights the urgent need for action. While Accra is celebrated for its economic growth and modern amenities, the city’s environmental issues threaten to undermine its progress. Without immediate and sustained efforts to improve waste management, reduce plastic pollution, and raise environmental awareness, Accra risks losing its appeal to both residents and visitors.
17) Plastic Pollution and High Prices
Accra has the potential to be a model for sustainable urban development in Africa, but achieving this will require a coordinated effort from the government, private sector, and citizens. The city must invest in better waste collection and disposal infrastructure, enforce environmental regulations, and promote recycling and responsible waste management practices. At the same time, individuals must take responsibility for their actions and recognize that keeping the city clean is a collective effort.
18) Conclusion and Reminder
The tourist’s experience at Accra’s beach serves as a powerful reminder of the city’s environmental challenges. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Africa, Accra is grappling with a plastic crisis, poor waste management, and a lack of environmental responsibility.
19) The Ugly Side of Accra
Addressing these issues will require both systemic changes and individual action. As Accra continues to grow, the need for sustainable urban development has never been more pressing. Only by tackling its waste problem head-on can Accra truly live up to its potential as a thriving, modern city on the African continent.