Reviving The Garden City; Restoring The Significance Of Kumasi In West Africa: Sadly, Kumasi, a busy city in Ghana, which was once dubbed the “Garden City” of West Africa, has fallen from grace. Dirt and neglect have taken the place of the previously immaculate streets and verdant surroundings. The decline of this formerly lovely city is depressing, but what’s even more worrying is the residents’ lack of awareness and action. This essay will examine the causes for Kumasi’s seeming lack of concern about its dirt and highlight the damaging consequences it has on the city’s citizens.
Gone are the days when Kumasi was a shining example of cleanliness and order. Today, rubbish is disposed of haphazardly, and the streets are filled with a variety of waste. The market women and men, who were once the lifeblood of the city, contribute to the problem by making the inner city filthy while continuing to sell their goods amidst the mess. This lack of responsibility and disregard for hygiene is deeply concerning.
Understanding the causes of this filth epidemic is essential to tackle the issue effectively. One major reason is the lack of proper waste management systems and infrastructure. If people do not have convenient options for waste disposal, they are more likely to resort to dumping rubbish wherever they please. Additionally, the absence of strict enforcement and penalties for littering further exacerbates the problem. It is a collective failure on the part of authorities, residents, and businesses.
Kumasi’s pollution has long-reaching effects that go far beyond the present blight. First and foremost, it is imperative to address the health risks associated with uncollected waste and unhygienic environments. Such conditions facilitate the spread of diseases and illnesses, endangering the health of the occupants. Second, there is a serious risk to the city’s reputation and tourist potential. Untidy and abandoned cities lose out on tourists, which hurts local companies and citizens’ pocketbook. Finally, the pollution feeds a culture of indifference and apathy, which keeps the neglect cycle going.
Kumasi’s pollution has to be addressed in a multifaceted way that involves the people and the government. First and foremost, a large investment must be made in the infrastructure of waste management, including public trash cans, recycling centers, and garbage collection systems. To further discourage careless behavior, rules against littering should be strictly enforced and suitable penalties put in place.