By Alex Adi
Ghana’s sanitation stakeholders want a rapid shift from landfills to engineered waste treatment, warning that funding gaps now threaten public health in Greater Accra.
The call came at a high-level dialogue at Kempinski Hotel, Accra, themed “Alleviating Waste Disposal Crisis in Greater Accra.” The meeting drew government officials, MMDCEs, sanitation experts and private operators.
Waste volumes rising, collection lagging
Local Government Minister Ahmed Ibrahim said Ghana generates 4,400 tonnes of solid waste daily, 1.6 million tonnes yearly, with only 80% collected. Rapid urbanisation will push volumes higher, making modern treatment facilities urgent.
Funding is the core problem
Mr Ahmed Ibrahim said waste management “cannot be left solely to market forces,” citing South Korea’s model. He confirmed talks with the Finance Ministry to secure dedicated funds and clear arrears owed to private waste firms. He urged MMDCEs to own sanitation outcomes, warning that even advanced plants fail without operational funding. Delayed payments risk “serious environmental and public health consequences.”
Landfills have failed
ESPA President and Jospong Group Executive Chairman Dr Joseph Siaw Agyepong called landfill reliance “outdated.” All 17 donor-funded landfills nationwide hit capacity within 10 years. He said modern systems must prioritise collection, transfer stations, recycling and composting, with landfills as a last resort.
Tariffs too low to sustain service
Dr Agyepong noted global benchmarks peg household waste fees at US$15–US$20 monthly for lower-middle-income countries. Ghana’s operators struggle with low recovery rates.
Ghana emerging as sanitation tech leader
Despite gaps, Ghana now runs more than 50 waste treatment and composting facilities. Local firms are exporting expertise to Kenya and Ethiopia. Agyepong credited investment in training “hundreds of highly qualified professionals.”
Cost of inaction: GH¢6.2bn yearly
Research presented shows poor waste management costs Ghana over GH¢6.2 billion annually in flood damage, healthcare and environmental loss. MMDCEs Vice Dean Dr Michael Mensah reaffirmed local authorities’ commitment to higher standards. Stakeholders closed with a pledge to boost government-private collaboration and convert policy talks into sustainable financing to keep GAMA clean.
