Abstract:
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are widely touted to offer improved
accountability, greater innovation and long-term efficiencies. However, to
achieve the anticipated benefits of PPP, it is necessary to recognise the
circumstances under which PPPs will be sustainable through effective
implementation. This study assessed the sustainability of PPP in solid waste
management (SWM) in Cape Coast Metropolitan Area (CCMA) and Sekondi-
Takoradi Metropolitan Area (STMA) in Ghana. The mixed-methods research
design guided the data collection methods, analysis and interpretation of the
study. A total of 812 respondents were sampled through purposive and
stratified random sampling techniques. The study used interview, focus group
discussion and observation guides, and interview schedule as instruments for gathering data. The quantitative data were processed with Statistical Product
for Service Solutions version 21, and analysed using descriptive and
inferential statistics. Narrative analysis was used to analyse the qualitative
study. The study found that the block system in the allocation of operational
competition among the service providers. All the stakeholders admitted that
the sanitation conditions had improved after the adoption of PPP, and thus,
were willing to sustain the partnership. However, high SWM service charges,
and low level of participation and transparency in fixing sanitation fees were
seen as serious threats to the sustainability of the partnership. The study
recommends that the Assemblies should allow for open competition among
the WMCs, and CCMA Fee Fixing Resolution Committee should review
SWM service charges to protect the socio-economic welfare of the citizens.
