Some medical waste materials have been washed ashore at the Ngelekazo Beach near Beyin in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region.

They are used syringes, surgical gloves, and other clinical equipment.

The situation has sparked some public health and environmental safety concerns among residents, who have called for immediate actions from local authorities and health officials within the Municipality.

Dr Patrick Ekye Kwesie, Leader of Western Nzema Youth League (WNYL), speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the issue said the presence of medical waste along the shores of the beach was not just an environmental concern, but also threatened public health of residents in the community.

“This issue raises serious questions about the management and disposal of medical waste in our region.

Such waste, if not handled properly, can lead to the spread of infectious diseases and pose risks to both human and marine life,” he stated.

Dr Kwesie called for a comprehensive investigation into the source of the medical waste, while ensuring that proper steps were taken to rid the beach of the materials to help avert potential health risks.

Mr Ishmael Kanga, Safohene of Ngelekazo, told the GNA that: “This beach is a vital part of our community, because we rely on it for our livelihoods.

“So, seeing it polluted like this is heartbreaking, and we need the authorities to take action immediately.”

When the GNA contacted the Ellembelle Area office, Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on the matter, Engineer Douglas Arhinkorah Asuako-Ferkah, Acting Area Head, said a team from the Jomoro Municipal Environmental Health Department and Ghana Maritime Authority at Axim had collaborated to assess the problem for action.