Effects of Pollution on Coastal Environment and Socio-Economic Life of the People of Elmina

Abstract

Coastal pollution is not only a serious threat to the coastal ecosystem but also to the life of those living there and depending on the coastal environment for their livelihood activities. The research examined the causes and effects of coastal pollution on socio-economic life of the people of Elmina as well as measures to mitigate the problem. A model of conceptual frame work showing circular inter-relationship among causes, environmental and socio-economic effects and solutions of coastal pollution was used for the research. Research instruments used include questionnaire, in-depth-interviews and focus group discussions. Systematic sampling process was employed to collect the quantitative data. The research contributes to literature on coastal pollution in Elmina. The causes of coastal pollution in Elmina include negative attitude of the residents regarding defecation and dumping of waste indiscriminately at the beach, inadequate sanitary facilities, lack of in-house toilet facilities and large influx of people into the area due to thriving fishing industry. The effects of pollution in the area are presence of water borne diseases such as malaria, diarrhea and typhoid; filthy beach which affects marine species; unattractive beach resulting in low patronage to tourism and fishermen catching waste instead of fish leading to reduction in income. High concentrations of some heavy metals including cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) were found in the Elmina sea water and the Benya lagoon. The study also revealed that KEEA Municipal Assembly, EPA and NGOs had put in place sanitation management system to fight against pollution in Elmina but negative attitude of the residents regarding indiscriminate defecation and dumping of waste coupled with inadequate funds and sanitation facilities caused pollution to continue. The sanitation management system included organisation of regular clean-up exercises, enforcement of coastal sanitation laws or policies in the area, provision of sanitation facilities and creation of awareness on sanitation problems. Ways identified to address the pollution problem include provision of adequate sanitary facilities, education campaigns, vigorous enforcement of coastal laws without fear or favour and severe prosecution of offenders. The limitations of the research include unwillingness of personnel of some institutions to release data even at a fee, some respondents were reluctant in submitting themselves for the exercise and difficulty in securing funding.