Enhancing Solid Waste Management in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly: Case Study of Ayawaso Central Sub Metropolitan District Council

Abstract

Waste management has been a problem for most city management authorities in Ghana. It has also attracted worldwide attention due to the fact that a clean environment is a condition for healthy living. People living within the communities have different attitudes towards the disposal of waste. In this regard attitude towards waste disposal has been identified as a crucial element in relations to successful implementation of any waste management policy. This study examines how waste management can be enhanced within the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, specifically the Ayawaso Central Sub metro. Employing qualitative and quantitative methodology with in-depth interviews (using a semi-structure questionnaire) and observation as the specific data gathering techniques, this study investigates the challenges facing local public authorities in solid waste management as a result of people’s attitude. The major finding of study is that, generally, the attitude of residents within the sub metro community towards solid waste management is negative. This is because, though, respondents know the harmful effects of solid waste, they emphasized that its management laid with the government and not the individuals. An analysis of the narratives of respondents in this study suggests that solid waste management is the responsibility of the Government and the District Assembly and not individual residents. Based on these findings, this study has recommended that sensitization efforts on solid waste management should be done by government. Again Assemblies must invest in technology and invest in other methods of solid waste treatment in order to enhance solid waste management in the metropolis.