Accra: Waste management in Ghana remains far below international standards due to rapid urbanisation, increasing plastic and textile waste, and the absence of source separation, experts have said. Mr. Solomon Noi-Adzeman Nuetey, Director of Waste Management at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), highlighted the inadequacies of Ghana’s waste management practices, noting that they fall short of global benchmarks.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Nuetey pointed out that the decomposition of organic waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. He mentioned Ghana’s commitment to adopting circular waste practices to extend the life cycle of materials. Mr. Nuetey also noted that effective models already exist, citing the AMA’s pilot facility for processing organic waste as a positive development.
He emphasized the need for investment in anaerobic digestion plants to process organic waste, such as food leftovers from restaurants, into gas that can be used for cooking. Additionally, he stressed the importance of waste separation at the source to allow for effective treatment of materials like plastics, paper, and textiles.
Mr. Nuetey highlighted the challenges posed by the current practice of mixing all waste types in one bin, which impedes processing and leaves landfill disposal as the primary option. He noted that landfills in Ghana are filling up rapidly, posing environmental threats, as exemplified by the Kpong Engineered Landfill, which reached full capacity within three years despite being built to last 25 years.
The acquisition of land for new waste disposal sites has become increasingly difficult, particularly in Accra, where most land is privately owned. Landowners are reluctant to lease land for untreated waste disposal due to concerns about property devaluation.
Despite various interventions, poorly managed waste continues to impact urban areas, threatening public health, environmental safety, and tourism. Data from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources indicates that Ghana generates an estimated 12,710 tonnes of solid waste daily, with Accra accounting for nearly 15 per cent. However, only 10 per cent of this waste is recycled, with the majority disposed of in landfills, open drains, unauthorised dumpsites, or openly burned.
The inefficient waste handling system has also contributed to worsening air quality. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is the second leading environmental risk factor for disease in Ghana, linked to over 28,000 premature deaths annually. Experts caution that without immediate reforms, Ghana’s waste crisis will worsen, undermining public health, environmental sustainability, and national development goals.