Residents of a coastal community near Korle Gonno in Accra are urging authorities to address the rampant dumping of garbage into drainage systems across the capital.

They lamented the direct impact of this negligence, which has led to severe pollution of the ocean and nearby beaches.

In an interview with JoyNews, some fishermen in the community said they now catch plastics instead of fish.

A resident, who is a fisherman said he no longer goes for fishing expeditions but plastics expeditions as his net catches more plastics than fish.

“The plastics are destroying our outboard motors, sometimes we get entangled with it. Previously, we used to do communal labour before the onset of the rains, but we don’t do that again. It comes from upstream, the people up there pollute the drainage system,” he said.

Another resident expressed concern about the situation, stating there are no bins in the area.

“There are no bins, so those who live close to the Odaw drain and the Korle dump their garbage in them. We are suffering because some people have to pay 1 cedi before they dump their garbage or defecate, so they do it illegally”he added.

The Odaw drainage system, which traverses Accra, now serves as a conduit for both wastewater and trash, including plastics.

Despite ambitious plans in 2019 to transform the Odaw drain into a recreational hub, complete with yacht and boat cruises, the reality remains grim.

Today, the waterway is overrun with plastic bags, posing a significant threat to coastal communities near its outlet into the ocean.