Environment and health nexus in Ghana: A study on perceived relationship and willingness-to-participate (WTP) in environmental policy design

Abstract

Globally, there are strategies to solve sustainability and health problems, but we continue to experience an increase in disease burden and environmental problems. This study applied a cross-sectional design to examine the perceived awareness on the environmental hazard-health nexus and the key factors that drive individuals WTP in environmental policy design in Accra, Ghana. Significant number of respondents, who reported of cases of air pollution and poor sanitation, revealed perceived relationship between these environmental problems and malaria, diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections. More respondents are willing to participate in environmental policy design, recommending a tripartite medium of engagement (i.e. group discussion, provision of information, and survey) as the ideal. Municipal Assembly and Polluters are the key trusted actors to provide environmental information and solve environmental problems, suggesting the desirability of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to environmental related matters. Finally, education, age, gender, residence (urban or rural), prior existing health and environmental conditions, and length of stay influence WTP in environmental policy design. The odds to participate rises with the level of education while it decreases with age, suggesting the desire of younger generation to participate in environmental protection policy. Investing in the human capital capacity of the young people is crucial.