Actors’ Involvement in Municipal Solid Waste Management by the Local Government: Lessons and Experiences from the Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana

Abstract

Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a global issue. Improper MSW management has adverse effects on human health and the environment. In view of this, promoting sound MSW management has been the focus of many policy makers, researchers and academics. In most countries including Ghana, this complex task has been entrusted to the local government. However, the success of the local government in this endeavor largely depends on the involvement of other actors of solid waste management. This study therefore seeks to evaluate the involvement of actors by the local government in MSW management using the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana as a case study. Qualitative case study approach involving observations, one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions with a wide range of actors is employed. The results of the study underscore major drawbacks in the MSW management system in the Kumasi metropolis where policies are formulated by the top-down approach. This study contributes to literature by encouraging the habit of source separation of waste among solid waste service users since it has the tendency of reducing the quantity of waste to be dumped at the disposal sites and consequently, protracting the lifespan of landfills and dumpsites in the metropolis. The study further entreats the local government to formulate MSW management regulations and policies with a bottom-up approach through broader consultations with actors to ensure that the provisions take into consideration the cultural and distinct local needs in the area.