The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) has directed its members and stakeholders within the waste management sector to suspend a planned shutdown announced on October 29, 2025. The strike which was to kick in on November 7 was to press home demand for government to settle debt owed running into millions of cedis. However according to ESPA the Government, through the Minister for Local Government and Religious Affairs Ibrahim Ahmed, has “reached out to the Association’s leadership for urgent dialogue toward resolving the outstanding payment challenges facing our members”.
In a statement Executive Secretary for ESPA Ama Ofori Antwi disclosed the minister has assured of the government’s “commitment to process and settle the arrears owed to service providers within the shortest possible time”. The call also provides a platform for both parties to discuss sustainable policy and funding mechanisms for the waste management sector moving forward.
Consequently, the National Executive Council, has urged “all member companies to suspend the planned nationwide strike originally scheduled to take effect on November 7, 2025.”
“We strongly advise that members continue their normal operations in spite of the daunting challenges as leadership works closely with the government to reach a firm and mutually beneficial resolution of the impasse.” The statement added.
Below is the full statement:
PRESS STATEMENT
Accra, Ghana – November 7, 2025
ESPA URGES MEMBERS TO SUSPEND PLANNED STRIKE ACTION AS TALKS WITH THE GOVERNMENT ADVANCE
The Environmental Service Providers Association (ESPA) wishes to inform all members and stakeholders within the waste management sector that, following our earlier press statement dated October 29, 2025, the Government of Ghana, through the Hon. Minister for Local Government and Religious Affairs. Hon. Ibrahim Ahmed, has reached out to the Association’s leadership for urgent dialogue toward resolving the outstanding payment challenges facing our members.
The Minister has assured us of the government’s commitment to process and settle the arrears owed to service providers within the shortest possible time. The call also provides a platform for both parties to discuss sustainable policy and funding mechanisms for the waste management sector moving forward.
In light of these positive engagements, I, on behalf of the National Executive Council, wish to urge all member companies to suspend the planned nationwide strike originally scheduled to take effect on November 7, 2025. We strongly advise that members continue their normal operations in spite of the daunting challenges as leadership works closely with the government to reach a firm and mutually beneficial resolution of the impasse.
ESPA appreciates the patience and cooperation of all service providers who continue to deliver essential sanitation services under the difficult circumstances. We remain confident that our continued dialogue with the government will yield the necessary outcomes to stabilize the sector and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers and the environment.
We therefore encourage all members to maintain calm, stay united, and refrain from any action that may disrupt waste collection and sanitation services while negotiations are ongoing.
ESPA reaffirms its unreserved commitment to ensuring that the interest of every member is protected and that Ghana’s waste management infrastructure continues to function efficiently for the public good.
Thank you.
Signed:
Ama Ofori Antwi
Executive Secretary
