Solid waste management: A case study of Cape Coast Metropolis.

Abstract

Over the years, solid waste disposal in Ghana has become a major challenge to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs). As a result of urbanisation and increasing densities, Metropolitan Assemblies finds it difficult to deal with the large quantities of solid waste generated in their area of jurisdiction. This study investigated the nature of the urban solid waste situation in Cape Coast Metropolis, and the causes of the problem from the perspective of key stakeholders in the waste management sector. The main aim of the study was to examine the factors affecting effective waste management in Ghana’s urban areas with regards to solid waste management in Cape Coast Metropolis (CCM) and how social justice can be applied in the waste management sector, and thereby advance possible solutions to address the problem. The researcher gathered data from secondary and primary sources. The main technique employed in gathering the primary data was structured interview schedule. The sampling technique that was employed to select the 110 respondents for the study was proportionate sampling, purposive and simple random sampling. Factors such as inadequate skip supply for storing waste, lack of routine collection of waste, poor methods of waste management, inadequate resources for waste management institutions to effectively collect the waste generated and human resources challenges were identified as main challenges. Some of the major recommendations were that CCM should employ more human resources, equipments such as skips and vehicles to enhance their waste management work.