Large amounts of solid garbage are being produced in Ghana's major cities due to fast urbanization and population growth, which is outpacing the capacity of local authorities to handle and dispose of waste in a sanitary manner. The amount of solid trash produced globally is rising due to population density, economic expansion, urbanization, and industrialization. The majority of cities in the globe are thought to produce an average of 1.9 billion tons of solid waste per year. Thus, addressing the health and environmental issues urbanized towns face, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, requires effective solid waste management (SSA). An estimated 62 million tonnes of trash are produced annually in SSA. One of the main problems local government agencies have, especially in urban areas, is managing solid waste effectively and efficiently. In many cities in developing countries, growing urbanization and population expansion have led to a surge in the production of significant amounts of solid garbage, outpacing the capacity of local authorities to manage and dispose of solid trash in a sanitary manner. Cities in low- and middle-income nations, like Ghana, only collect between 50 and 80% of the waste created, despite spending 30 to 50% of their operational budgets on solid waste management.

            Only 10% of the country's daily production of solid waste—12,710 tons—is collected and dumped in approved landfills. The labor-intensive and frequently ineffective collection and disposal processes present a significant obstacle to the management of solid waste in Ghana. The correct disposal of solid waste presents a significant difficulty for local government agencies in Ghana's big centers. The amount of rubbish produced each day frequently overwhelms municipal agencies and waste management firms. One factor contributing to the poor status of solid waste management, notably by Ghanaian municipal authorities, is the lack of well-planned and effective waste management policies. According to estimates, local administrations spend between 50 and 70 percent of their budget on trash management and disposal. According to reports, Ghanaian city governments spend roughly GHc 6.7 million (US$ 3.45 million) annually on waste collection and transportation for disposal, and GHc 550,000.00 (US$ 0.28 million) per month on paying waste contractors and maintaining landfills. According to estimates, the cost of poor sanitation due to careless garbage disposal alone amounts to $290 million annually, or 1.6% of the country's GDP.

            Rapid urbanization and population growth, an insufficient supply of trash cans, a lack of waste transportation systems, a lack of public awareness of the negative health effects of poor waste management, and lax enforcement of environmental laws are the main obstacles to proper management of solid waste in Ghana. In addition, the negative behavior of urban dwellers toward solid waste is evident in the pollution of the streets, waterways, and other public areas. The difficulties with solid waste management are further exacerbated by trash company managers' lack of technical expertise in effective solid waste management procedures. Flooding and disease outbreaks could result from the effects of careless or hazardous disposal of solid waste into open drains and aquatic bodies. The management of garbage in many Ghanaian major centers continues to be an issue, despite efforts by previous governments to empower local government entities to supervise waste management and to adopt policies encouraging private sector involvement in waste control. There have also been reports of other difficulties, including insufficient operational funding and inadequate garbage infrastructure and equipment.

            In order to ensure that garbage collection, transportation, and disposal are done effectively and efficiently without damaging land, air, or water sources, managers and supervisors of waste firms play vital roles in the waste management operations. Additionally, managers and supervisors oversee waste management activities, such as landfill sites, and make sure that solid waste is transported, handled, and disposed of in accordance with current regulations and bylaws. Regular interactions with the public include responding to general inquiries and complaints, looking into and following up on allegations of illegal dumping of solid waste, and cooperating with other regulatory bodies. They are well-positioned to share insights regarding the advantages and disadvantages of solid waste management in the specific Ghanian context thanks to their multiple roles. Despite the fact that managers and supervisors have a tremendous responsibility to manage waste effectively for the public's safety and health, this is rarely acknowledged. As a result, garbage companies have trouble maintaining sufficient skills and knowledge because most skilled people choose to shift to other, better sectors. The work of managers and supervisors is expensive, time-consuming, and difficult to manage, in part because they typically have to work in various places, but they don't seem to be taken seriously.

Recommendations

In order to effectively manage garbage, it is important for a variety of stakeholders, including the government, waste corporations, and the community, to participate. Because the issues are interconnected, a comprehensive strategy would need to be used when addressing. Multidimensional and multilevel actions are necessary to address the issue. However, further study is required to determine the best approach for including urban inhabitants in solid waste management in low-resource environments like Ghana. Interventions at the local government, business, and community levels should be encouraged for effective and efficient solid waste management.

For the garbage firms to adhere to the accepted practices in solid waste management, the local government authorities must enforce the sanitation and solid waste management bylaws. Local government officials must implement sanitation and waste management laws in homes to ensure the sanitary disposal of garbage at the community level. Effective solid waste management procedures should be supported financially by the central government for the waste management firms.

References

Miezah K, Obiri-Danso K, Kádár Z, Fei-Baffoe B, Mensah MY. Municipal solid waste characterization and quantification as a measure towards effective waste management in Ghana. Waste Manag. 2015. pmid:26421480

Douti NB, Abanyie SK, Ampofo S. Solid Waste Management Challenges in Urban Areas of Ghana: A Case Study of Bawku Municipality. Int J Geosci. 2017;08:494–513.

Amoah ST, Kosoe EA. Solid Waste Management in Urban Areas of Ghana: Issues and Experiences from Wa. J Environ Pollut Hum Heal. 2014.