Chaos at Mallam Lafa: Over 500 Aboboyaa Riders Stranded as Dumpsite Closure Sparks Waste Disposal Crisis

Hundreds of aboboyaa riders who transport refuse across Accra have been left stranded following the unannounced closure of the Mallam Lafa dumpsite, creating a major disruption in waste disposal operations across parts of the capital.

The sudden shutdown has forced more than 500 tricycle operators to queue for hours along the Mallam–Kasoa Highway as they struggle to find alternative locations to offload collected waste. The situation has led to heavy congestion on sections of the road and raised fears of worsening sanitation challenges in several communities.

Speaking to Maurice Otoo of Kessben Digital, affected riders say they received no prior notice about the closure, leaving many stranded with fully loaded tricycles and unable to complete their daily rounds. Some operators reported spending several hours waiting for directions while others complained of lost income due to the disruption.
Industry leaders warn that the closure, coupled with limited alternative disposal facilities and poor access roads to existing dumpsites, is placing enormous pressure on waste management operations in the Greater Accra Region.

They fear the situation could result in refuse piling up in communities if urgent measures are not taken.
The riders are therefore calling on government authorities and waste management agencies to provide immediate alternatives and improve access to disposal sites to prevent a full-blown sanitation crisis in the capital.