76 Year old woman marks 15th anniversary in waste collection

A 76 year-old plastic waste collector, Madam Esther Vanderpuiye (aka Grandma), celebrated her 15th anniversary in the waste collection business last Saturday. She used the occasion to create awareness of ensuring proper sanitation in Accra, the capital city.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Korle Gonno, Nii Tackie Owuowuo III, officials from the School of Hygiene and Mrs Diana Twum, an aspiring parliamentary candidate for the NDC in Ablekuma West.

Madam Vanderpuiye expressed appreciation to all those who had assisted her in the waste collection exercise over the years.

"I am not paid for the waste I collect, but have gained recognition in the country. I urge all those engaged in waste collection to continue with the good work," she said.

Madam Vanderpuiye

Madam Vanderpuiye, a caterer by profession, said she began collecting waste when she saw the nuisance it created in the environment, especially empty plastic water bottles and sachets, particularly after public gatherings and events. 

Nii Owuowuo, who chaired the function, commended Madam Vanderpuiye for her efforts in ensuring good sanitation in Korle Gonno and the city as a whole.

He said most diseases were caused as a result of poor hygiene and environmental conditions. He, therefore, urged Ghanaians to join Madam Vanderpuiye in her efforts in ridding the city of plastic waste.

Mr Amarkai Amartefio from the School of Hygiene, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, urged residents along the coast to desist from defaecating at the beaches in order to stem the communities were situation where such afflicted with diseases.

He supported his statement with the admonition from the Bible which God had gave to the Israelites when Moses was leading them to the promise land. God asked them to dig the ground to defecate and cover the waste afterwards.

Mrs Diana Twum spoke about the benefit of plastic waste, saying, “it could be turned into useful materials.”