The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has arrested a 32-year-old Nigerian national, Yusif Dahiru, for allegedly engaging in unauthorised waste dumping and extorting money from the public at an illegal refuse 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.

In a statement, Mr Ankrah explained that Dahiru had positioned himself at the site and was receiving refuse from residents as though he had official approval to manage waste disposal, despite having no authorisation from the Assembly.

He added that the suspect allegedly collected money from the public under the pretext of providing waste services and claimed to be working under a supervisor.

During interrogation, Dahiru denied being an official waste collector but admitted assisting in transporting refuse to the site using a small rubber container in exchange for payment.

Mr Ankrah further revealed that the suspect mentioned an Asafoatse and two other individuals he claimed to be working for, alleging that the Asafoatse periodically visited the site to collect proceeds from the illegal operation.

These claims, he said, have opened a new line of investigation into possible accomplices.

The arrest forms part of the Assembly’s intensified crackdown on illegal dumping, unauthorised waste handling, and extortion, which continue to undermine sanitation efforts in the capital.

The AMA reiterated that only duly authorised individuals and companies are permitted to handle waste collection and disposal, warning that offenders will face the full rigours of the law.

Investigations are ongoing to verify the suspect’s claims and identify others who may be linked to the alleged illegal activity.