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Godfred Abayateye, expert in ‘human waste’ disposal
Godfred Abayateye inspecting a truck after collecting human waste to ensure there is no spillage
One of the common questions people ask when they meet a new person is his profession.
Usually, when people have ‘prestigious’ jobs, they are quick to respond. They are usually the first to mention their professions in a conversation and then ask others about theirs.
For Godfred Abayateye, a toilet waste truck driver whose job basically entails collecting and disposing of human excreta, one could have imagined the discomfort with such a question. But, interestingly, he is not embarrassed at all about the job he does.
He said, the fact that his wife was very proud of him and appreciated him for his ability to shoulder their responsibilities as a husband and father that serves as a major source of motivation for him.
In an interview with The Spectator last week about his life and job, the resident of Ashaiman disclosed that he had been in the business of going to homes and premises of businesses to collect their waste for 12 years.
“There are no regrets for being someone who collects and disposes human waste of hundreds of people on daily basis.”
He said on a good day, he was able to serve four clients but when business goes slow, he struggles to get a single client. “In all honesty, I think it’s a good job which I’ll would recommend to anyone willing to join.”
Mr Abayateye who is in his 40s said he was in the business not just to make money but also keep the public clean.
He said although people disrespected them and liked to treat them without dignity, he was not perturbed.
He mentioned instances where clients even avoided talking to them when they went to their homes to offer their services because in their minds, the “toilet man” is not clean.
The father of four said some of their clients looked at them with contempt and would not even allow them to use their buckets to fetch water to help the process.
“These are the people who fails to appreciate that without us, their health can be compromised.”
In his view, persons in the waste business helped to curb open defecation, prevents diarrhoea and other health issues.
He said he was always happy to wake up to a new day of going round to take waste from people’s homes because he was able to give his children education and pay his bills to give his family a decent life.
He shared a joke about how some road users tried to avoid them on the road for fear of the collected waste spilling on them, the road or on their cars.
He said he tried ensuring that all the parts of the vehicle which could be used as a point of entry was well secured to prevent any air pollution or inconvenience to the public but reduce the danger to its barest minimum.
Mr Abayateye appealed to the government to prioritise sites for disposal of such waste to make the job more attractive and also keep the environment safe.
He also appealed on authorities to grant a subsidy on the cost of toilet waste trucks to attract more people into the profession to reduce the unemployment rate.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
