Meet Atia [not his real name], a 61-year-old man, who has been forced to abandon his dignity and scavenge for scraps and plastic bottles at refuse dump sites in the Upper East Regional Capital, Bolgatanga, to make ends meet.
His story is a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by the elderly in Ghana, abandoned by their families and left to fend for themselves.
Atia’s day begins before dawn, as he sets out to search for plastic bottles and metal scraps in the refuse dump sites.
With worn-out sacks slung over his shoulder, he rummages through the garbage, often without proper protection, exposing himself to harmful substances and diseases.
The dump site, which also serves as a defecation ground for children, poses serious health risks to Atia and others who scavenge for scraps.
Despite his advanced age, Atia is driven by his determination to survive. He shares his tale with a mix of sadness and frustration.
“I worked in Accra all my life, but upon retirement, I returned to Bolgatanga, hoping to enjoy my golden years. However, my children, who earn good salaries, refuse to support me”. – He told Dreamz News’ James Nana Tsiquaye at a refuse dump site.
“They only help me when I’m sick, but when I’m well, they ignore me.” – He added.
Atia’s plight is not unique, as he said many elderly individuals in Bolgatanga face similar challenges, struggling to survive after being abandoned by their families.
The lack of support systems and social services for the elderly has led to a growing number of senior citizens engaging in dangerous and undignified work to make ends meet.
The reintroduction of used drink bottles, which Atia collects and sells, raises concerns about contamination and the potential spread of diseases.
These bottles, which have been dumped into the refuse, are often picked up and sold without proper cleaning or sterilization, posing a significant risk to public health; a canker that many strongly believe must be addressed, and alternative solutions must be found to reduce the risk of disease transmission.
As Atia continues to scavenge for scraps to survive, his story serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by the elderly in Ghana.
