A systematic review of the impacts of open burning and open dumping of waste in Ghana: A way forward for sustainable waste management

Abstract

Waste management (WM) is a growing concern in Ghana, characterised by the widespread practice of open dumping and burning waste. These unsustainable methods have raised significant environmental, health, and social concerns. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyse the impacts of waste burning and open dumping in Ghana and propose a sustainable way forward for waste management. A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles, reports, and government documents was conducted using various academic databases and official websites. Studies published from 2000 to 2024 were included, focusing on the environmental, health, and socioeconomic impacts of waste burning and open dumping. A total of more than 55 relevant sources were identified and critically assessed. The review revealed that open dumping and waste burning have substantial adverse impacts. The effects of waste burning and open dumping necessitate a holistic approach to address these challenges. This includes infrastructure development, implementation and enforcement of WM regulations, community engagement, technological solutions, promotion of recycling technologies, and public-private partnerships. By adopting these strategies, Ghana can mitigate the adverse effects of waste disposal, protect public health, preserve the environment, and make significant progress toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future. This review contributes valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders committed to addressing the WM crisis in Ghana. It is a foundation for further research and action in this critical field.