Zoomlion Ghana Limited has launched a nationwide emergency fumigation and disinfection campaign in response to the public health risks posed by recent flooding across parts of the country.
The exercise, which began on Monday, June 22, 2026, is being led by the company as part of efforts to prevent disease outbreaks and improve sanitation conditions in flood-affected communities, according to the Head of Emergency Management at the Jospong Group, Dr. Gideon Sogbey.
The initial phase of the operation is focused on communities within the Weija-Gbawe Municipality, Ablekuma North Municipality and the McCarthy Hill enclave, where recent floods have left behind significant environmental and sanitation challenges.
Officials say the affected areas are grappling with accumulated waste, sewage, faecal matter and other contaminants washed into communities by floodwaters, creating conditions that could heighten the risk of disease outbreaks if not addressed promptly.
“This is a nationwide exercise, and although we have commenced operations in the Greater Accra Region, several flood-prone communities across other parts of the country have already been identified for similar interventions,” Dr. Sogbey disclosed while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the exercise.
He explained that the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at strengthening Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) standards, improving public health preparedness and reducing the risk of disease outbreaks associated with flooding and poor environmental sanitation.
According to Dr. Sogbey, the programme is designed to enhance community resilience by ensuring that vulnerable areas receive timely sanitation interventions, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall and increased environmental health risks.
The exercise forms part of the company’s longstanding commitment to public health protection and rapid emergency response, particularly during periods of heightened environmental and sanitation risks.
Acting Early to Prevent Disease Outbreaks
Dr. Sogbey said the intervention was designed as a preventive measure to address the health risks that often emerge in the aftermath of flooding.
According to him, prompt action is critical to reducing the likelihood of disease outbreaks and protecting vulnerable communities from avoidable health emergencies.
“Our objective is to protect residents from diseases that commonly emerge after flooding. We do not want to wait until there is an outbreak before taking action. This is a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding public health and protecting lives,” he said.
He explained that floodwaters often carry sewage, waste, industrial effluent and other harmful pollutants, increasing the risk of waterborne and communicable diseases among affected communities. He identified cholera as one of the most pressing public health concerns, particularly in densely populated urban areas where sanitation challenges remain widespread.
Focus on High-Risk Waste Sites
As part of the emergency response, the campaign is targeting major waste-dumping sites and final disposal facilities within the affected municipalities. These locations have been identified as potential public health hotspots due to the accumulation of decomposing waste, foul odours and rising fly populations.
Health and sanitation experts warn that such conditions create ideal breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors, underscoring the need for immediate intervention to prevent possible outbreaks and protect public health.
Dr. Sogbey outlined the environmental and public health concerns identified at some waste disposal sites, which he said necessitated the emergency intervention.
According to him, a recent assessment of the Oblogo final disposal site revealed conditions that could pose serious health risks if left unchecked.
“We visited the Oblogo final disposal site, where we carried out a disinfection exercise to control the increasing housefly population. We also implemented measures to eliminate Vibrio cholerae, the bacterium that causes cholera,” he explained.
He further expressed concern about the presence of leachate — the contaminated liquid generated by decomposing waste — which he said was flowing from the site into the Densu River, raising fears of environmental pollution and potential public health consequences.
He stressed that this was a serious concern because many residents in surrounding communities depended on the river as a source of water.
“During our visit, we also observed fishermen actively fishing in the river,” he added.
He warned that untreated hotspots could create a direct pathway for disease transmission.
He warned that the disposal site poses a serious public health threat, as flies breeding in the area can easily spread into nearby communities, contaminating food and other consumable items in homes, shops and marketplaces.
According to him, the situation requires urgent attention to prevent the outbreak of disease.
“If immediate action is not taken, the risk of a cholera outbreak remains very high,” he cautioned.
The emergency sanitation exercise will also be extended to the McCarthy Hill final disposal site, where similar interventions are expected to be carried out to address environmental and public health concerns linked to waste disposal activities by tricycle operators, commonly known as aboboyaa.
Call for Long-Term Sanitation Reforms
Dr. Sogbey emphasised the need for sustainable and long-term solutions to Ghana’s sanitation challenges, urging relevant stakeholders to move beyond emergency interventions and focus on lasting infrastructure development.
He called on the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs and other key institutions to prioritise the construction of properly engineered landfill sites, strengthen regulation of waste transportation, and establish transfer stations in rapidly growing municipalities.
According to him, the increasing volumes of waste generated within the Weija-Gbawe and Ablekuma North municipalities demand urgent strategic planning and investment to prevent recurring sanitation crises.
Dr. Sogbey warned that without adequate infrastructure and effective waste management systems, urban communities could continue to face environmental hazards, public health risks and mounting sanitation challenges.
“Without decisive interventions, we risk facing the same cycle of flooding, environmental contamination and disease outbreaks time and again,” he stressed.
Strong Record in Public Health and Environmental Response
Zoomlion Ghana Limited has built a strong track record in supporting public health and environmental emergency responses across Ghana and beyond. Over the years, the company has led large-scale disinfection, fumigation and vector-control operations during disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
Beyond Ghana, Zoomlion provides waste management and environmental sanitation services in several African countries, including Liberia, Togo, Sierra Leone and Kenya. The company continues to deploy technology-driven solutions and modern waste processing, recycling and sanitation systems aimed at improving public health outcomes and promoting environmental sustainability across the continent.
The latest intervention further highlights Zoomlion’s role as a key partner to governments and development institutions in addressing sanitation challenges and strengthening environmental resilience in Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.
The latest post-flood intervention further underscores the company’s growing role as a strategic partner to government institutions and development organisations in promoting public health, environmental protection, and sustainable development across Ghana and the broader West African region.