Abstract:
Of all environmental problems that have come into focus and become the most conspicuous landmarks on most Ghanaian urban landscape, managing solid waste has been the slowest to develop either direction or regulatory mechanisms. This study presents a case overview of SWM practices in Ghana. It provides a litmus test of where the country is by examining the characteristics of waste generated, and the effectiveness of the management system as well as the potential challenges it faces. Based on the assessment of the quantities of waste generated, and the evaluation of the soundness of the management system, the general picture is that significant quantities of waste are generated, but there are no sound management practices. The evidence suggests that waste policy implementation successes have generally tended to be driven by approaches that make economic sense to the private sector. This study provides a framework for policy and planning strategies including the call on the authorities to build on local expertise. The study maintains that presently, proper waste management is an area in which our ignorance still exceeds our knowledge and that it is the poor management of waste, not the waste per se, that makes towns and cities filthy.