By Dr Simon Boateng

(Environmental/Teacher Educationist)

Environmental Expert proposes strategies to solve waste management problems in the MMDAs

Background

In Ghana, the issue of poor waste management at the generation point within Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) is a multifaceted challenge with significant environmental, social, and economic implications. The generation point refers to the locations where waste is produced, including households, businesses, markets, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.  Despite efforts by authorities to address waste management issues, there has been persistence of poor waste management practices at the generation point. Various governments in the fourth republic have attempted to proffer solutions to the poor waste management practices in Ghana. But unfortunately, their policies have overly concentrated on the last stage of the waste management system (i.e. disposal stage) which in itself is problematic. Many of the compost and the landfill sites set up by the government and other private companies have been extremely expensive to operate and have folded up few years after their operations; because of poor waste management practices (non-segregation of waste, indiscriminate disposal of waste etc.) at the generation points. There are substantial reasons why people are incentivized to manage waste properly at the generation point in other jurisdictions.  So, considering the fact that waste management alone takes almost 50% of most MMDAs’ budget, sentient attention must be continuously given to the menace to ameliorate it. This would give the MMDAs the budget space to pursue other significant developmental projects.

Addressing the poor waste management situation at the generation point in MMDAs requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of the problem. This includes investing in waste infrastructure, expanding access to waste collection services, raising awareness and education about proper waste management practices, and engaging communities in participatory decision-making processes. Moreover, policies and interventions should be tailored to local contexts, taking into account socio-cultural factors, urban-rural disparities, and the informal economy's role in waste management. By adopting a holistic and inclusive approach, Ghana can make significant strides towards improving waste management practices and building cleaner, more sustainable communities for all. The following strategies would help solve the poor waste management problem we are facing in our MMDAs in Ghana:  

Decentralize and de-monopolize waste management contract regimes. As it stands, one company seems to dominate in the waste management space operating in almost all MMDAs in Ghana. And the contract with this particular company is signed and sealed at the ministerial level giving the MMDAs no say and/or options to bid for presumably better alternatives.  As Ghana grapples with escalating waste management issues, this paper calls for the adoption of competitive waste collection services among waste management companies. This paper argues that fostering competition in this sector is essential for driving innovation, improving service quality, and addressing the country's mounting waste challenges effectively. Besides, allowing the MMDAs to sign their own contracts under supervision and/or propose other waste companies to manage waste within their localities would enhance effective supervision by the MMDAs.

The urgency of this advocacy arises from the pressing realities confronting Ghana's urban centers, where rapid population growth and urbanization have led to a surge in waste generation. Recognizing the potential of competition to spur positive change, this paper is advocating for reforms that encourage multiple waste management companies to compete for contracts at the local levels to provide collection services. This shift would not only diversify service providers but also incentivize companies to offer competitive rates, innovative solutions, and superior customer service.

This paper admits the difficulty it may be for governments to implement this policy as a result of the potential role this dominating company in the waste management space is likely to play in the political party financing regimes in the country. That notwithstanding, creating a competitive environment in waste management contracts at the MMDAs is vital for improving service quality, efficiency, and innovation at the local levels in Ghana. By implementing decentralized performance-based contracts and effective monitoring mechanisms, the government can foster healthy competition among waste management companies. Ultimately, a competitive waste management sector will contribute to a cleaner environment, healthier communities, and sustainable development in Ghana.

Employ and/or Reassign at least 50% of MMDAs’ Taskforce to waste stewards. In a bid to tackle the mounting waste management crisis in Ghana, this paper is advocating for a transformative approach that involves repurposing municipal taskforce personnel into waste stewards. This initiative seeks to redefine the roles of these individuals to enforcers and active participants in promoting sustainable waste management practices across communities. Over the years, among other things, the major role of the MMDAs’ taskforce has been to prevent hawkers and other petty traders from selling on the street and pavements. However, their activities have only yielded an interim results culminating into much ado about nothing venture. Considering the fact that waste management takes about 50% of MMDAs’ budget; then it would not be out of place to reassign the taskforce to waste stewards to superintend how waste is managed in the central business districts of the MMDAs. The waste stewards would supervise waste management practices and enforce sanitation bylaws in the central business districts of the MMDAs.

This shift stems from the increasing challenges faced by Ghana's urban centers in managing waste effectively. With rapid urbanization and population growth, the volume of waste generated has surged, placing immense pressure on existing waste management infrastructure and resources. Recognizing the potential of municipal taskforce personnel to contribute meaningfully to waste management, this paper argues that their roles should extend beyond enforcement duties. Instead, this paper proposes a comprehensive training and empowerment program that equips these taskforce personnel with the knowledge, skills, and resources to become proactive waste stewards within their communities.

Under this proposed model, municipal taskforce personnel would undergo specialized training on waste stewardship, waste segregation, recycling techniques, composting methods, and environmental conservation principles. They would also receive education on the importance of community engagement and behavior change communication to promote responsible waste disposal practices among residents. By empowering municipal taskforce personnel to become waste stewards, the initiative aims to achieve multiple objectives.

As this paper advocates for the adoption of this transformative approach, it underscores the importance of government support and collaboration from relevant agencies, local authorities, and community leaders. By investing in the training, empowerment, and capacity building of municipal taskforce personnel, MMDAs can make significant strides towards achieving sustainable waste management practices and building cleaner, healthier communities for all.

Re-institutionalize the Environmental/Sanitation Inspectors at the MMDAs. In response to Ghana's escalating waste management challenges, this paper is advocating for the re-institutionalization of sanitation inspectors within the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). This call comes amidst growing concerns over the deteriorating state of sanitation across urban and rural areas, highlighting the urgent need for robust oversight and enforcement mechanisms to address the crisis effectively.

Sanitation inspectors, once a staple of local governance structures, played a pivotal role in monitoring compliance with sanitation regulations, enforcing waste management standards, and ensuring public health and environmental sustainability. However, over the years, the role of sanitation inspectors has waned, leaving a regulatory gap that has contributed to worsening sanitation conditions in many communities. Considering the critical role sanitation inspectors can play in addressing Ghana's waste management challenges, the paper is advocating for their revival and reinvigoration within the MMDAs. This paper argues that reinstating sanitation inspectors is essential for several reasons such as enforcement of sanitation regulations, community engagement and education, monitoring and compliance, and support for waste management initiatives.

As Ghana strives to address its waste management challenges and build cleaner, healthier communities, the reinstatement of sanitation inspectors emerges as a critical step towards strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring the effective implementation of sanitation policies and programs at the local level. Through concerted efforts and collective commitment, Ghana can pave the way for a more sustainable and hygienic future for all.

Institutionalize Assembly Members’/Unit Committees’ Control of Community Waste Management systems through policy reforms. In response to Ghana's persistent waste management challenges, this paper is calling for the institutionalization of assembly members' and unit committees' control over community waste management. This move aims to leverage local governance structures to enhance oversight, coordination, and accountability in waste management efforts at the grassroots level. With waste management posing a significant environmental and public health concern across Ghana's urban and rural areas, there is an urgent need for decentralized solutions that empower communities to take ownership of their waste management responsibilities. Assembly members and unit committees, as representatives of local constituencies, are uniquely positioned to facilitate community engagement and drive collective action in addressing waste management issues.

Assembly members and unit committee members are elected representatives who have a direct connection to their communities. By entrusting them with oversight of waste management activities, there is greater accountability to residents, fostering trust and transparency in decision-making processes. Besides, Assembly members and unit committees serve as conduits for community engagement, mobilizing residents to actively participate in waste management initiatives. Their close ties to local communities enable them to tailor interventions to specific needs and preferences, driving greater buy-in and cooperation.

Further, empowering assembly members and unit committees facilitates coordination and collaboration among various stakeholders involved in waste management, including local authorities, waste management companies, civil society organizations, and community groups. This multi-stakeholder approach fosters synergy and resource optimization, leading to more effective and sustainable waste management solutions. In addition, Assembly members and unit committees are familiar with the unique characteristics and challenges of their respective communities. By giving them control over waste management decisions, there is flexibility to implement customized solutions that align with local realities, cultural norms, and available resources.

As Ghana seeks to address its waste management challenges and build cleaner, more sustainable communities, the institutionalization of assembly members' and unit committees' control over community waste management emerges as a promising strategy for promoting local governance, participation, and accountability in waste management efforts. Through collaborative efforts and commitment to grassroots empowerment, Ghana can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future for all.

Formalize Tricycle (kayabola) Waste Collection Service to Complement Waste Management in MMDAs. In a bid to bolster waste management efforts across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana, stakeholders are advocating for the formalization of tricycle waste collection services, locally known as "kayabola." This initiative aims to harness the potential of tricycles as a cost-effective and efficient means of waste collection, particularly in densely populated urban areas where access to conventional waste collection vehicles may be limited.

Tricycles, often modified for cargo transport, have emerged as a common sight on the streets of Ghana's cities and towns, serving various informal transportation needs. However, their potential as a viable solution for waste collection has been largely untapped, despite their ability to navigate narrow alleys and densely populated neighborhoods inaccessible to larger vehicles.

Tricycles can access narrow streets, informal settlements, and congested urban areas where larger waste collection vehicles struggle to navigate. By deploying tricycles for waste collection, MMDAs can improve accessibility to waste management services and reach underserved communities more effectively. Moreover, tricycles offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional waste collection vehicles, requiring lower capital investment and operating costs. Their smaller size and maneuverability translate into reduced fuel consumption and maintenance expenses, making them an economically viable option for waste collection in densely populated urban areas.

Again, tricycles can be easily modified and adapted to accommodate different types of waste, including household waste, recyclables, and organic materials. Their versatility allows for efficient segregation and collection of waste streams, supporting recycling initiatives and sustainable waste management practices. Further, formalizing tricycle waste collection services creates employment opportunities for operators and waste pickers, contributing to poverty reduction and economic empowerment in the informal sector. By integrating tricycle operators into formal waste management systems, MMDAs can enhance regulation, training, and support mechanisms for improved service delivery.

As MMDAs endeavour to improve waste management services and build cleaner, more sustainable communities, formalizing tricycle waste collection services emerges as a pragmatic solution to complement existing waste management efforts. Especially, when studies like Boateng et al. (2016; 2023) and Owusu-Sekyere (2017) have all established that households prefer the services of the tricycle waste collectors to that of the other major companies like Zoom Lion. Through collaboration between government authorities, waste management agencies, tricycle operators, and community stakeholders, Ghana can harness the potential of tricycles to enhance accessibility, efficiency, and inclusivity in waste management across MMDAs.

Effectively Implement Sanitation bylaws. As Ghana grapples with mounting waste management challenges, this paper is issuing a resounding call for the effective implementation of sanitation bylaws by Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). This call comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating state of sanitation in many communities, highlighting the critical need for robust enforcement mechanisms to address the crisis effectively. Sanitation bylaws serve as legal frameworks that regulate waste management practices, public cleanliness standards, and environmental protection measures. However, the enforcement of these bylaws has often been inconsistent and inadequate, leading to widespread non-compliance and exacerbating Ghana's waste management woes.

Sanitation bylaws play a crucial role in promoting behavior change and fostering community engagement in waste management efforts. Through public awareness campaigns, education initiatives, and community participation programs, the enforcement of sanitation bylaws can empower residents to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and take ownership of their sanitation responsibilities.

As Ghana seeks to address its waste management challenges and build cleaner, healthier communities, the effective implementation of sanitation bylaws in MMDAs emerges as a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development goals. Through concerted efforts and collective commitment from all stakeholders, Ghana can pave the way for a brighter, cleaner future for all.

Provide pro-segregation   dustbins at a 100 Meters range in MMDAs' Central Business Districts. Amidst Ghana's ongoing efforts to tackle waste management challenges, this opinion piece is amplifying calls for the provision of pro-segregation dustbins at regular intervals of every 100 meters in the central business districts (CBDs) of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). This initiative aims to improve waste disposal practices, reduce littering, and enhance cleanliness in urban areas where foot traffic is high and waste generation is significant.

Central business districts serve as bustling hubs of economic activity, drawing large crowds of residents, workers, and visitors each day. However, the lack of adequate waste infrastructure, such as dustbins and waste receptacles, often leads to indiscriminate littering, environmental pollution, and unsightly surroundings. The availability of dustbins at regular intervals encourages residents, workers, and visitors to dispose of their waste responsibly. By providing convenient access to waste receptacles, individuals are less likely to resort to littering, thus contributing to cleaner and healthier urban environments.

As Ghana seeks to address its waste management challenges and build cleaner, more sustainable urban environments, the provision of dustbins every 100 meters in CBDs emerges as a practical solution with far-reaching benefits. Through collaboration between government authorities, local communities, businesses, and civil society organizations, Ghana can pave the way for cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant urban spaces that enhance the quality of life for all

By Simon Boateng, PhD

#AfricaEducatesHer

Build a Secure Haven by Improving Toilet Facilities to Retain Girls in Rural Schools

In rural Ghana, the journey to education is often fraught with challenges, particularly for young girls. While strides have been made to enhance access to education, ensuring the retention of the girl child in schools remains a crucial concern. Creating a safe environment is paramount in encouraging girls to stay in school, fostering their academic growth, and empowering them to break the cycle of poverty.

Access to education is a fundamental right, yet in rural Ghana, the inadequate state of toilet facilities in schools is a significant barrier, particularly for girls. Poor sanitation facilities contribute to a hostile learning environment, impeding the retention of the girl child in schools. This article sheds light on the dire situation of toilet facilities in rural Ghanaian schools and emphasizes the urgent need for improvement to ensure the continued education of girls.

Rural schools in Ghana often grapple with substandard sanitation facilities, leaving girls vulnerable to the challenges of puberty and menstruation. Many schools lack separate and hygienic toilets for girls, leading to discomfort, embarrassment, and a heightened risk of health issues. The absence of proper sanitation facilities disproportionately affects female students, leading to increased absenteeism and drop-out rates.

According to UNICEF (2017), only 2 out of 5 schools in Ghana have toilets or pit latrines and running water; and the problem persist at an increasing and alarming rate. The Ghana Statistical Service (2021) affirms this differently by asserting that three out of five households have improved toilet facilities in Ghana. As a consequence, children often miss classes because they have to alternate to use the toilet.

The lack of adequate toilet facilities directly affects the retention of the girl child in schools. When girls are forced to use unsanitary and poorly maintained facilities, they often opt to stay home during menstruation, missing valuable days of education. This interruption in their schooling hinders academic progress and also perpetuates a cycle of gender inequality and limited opportunities for girls in the long run.

Further, inadequate toilet facilities pose serious health risks to both female students and the entire school community. Poor hygiene conditions can lead to the spread of diseases, affecting the overall well-being of students and hindering their ability to concentrate on their studies. Girls, in particular, face increased vulnerability during menstruation, as the lack of private and clean facilities exposes them to infections and discomfort.

To address the retention challenges faced by girls in rural Ghanaian schools, there is an urgent need for investment in proper toilet facilities. Constructing separate and well-maintained toilets for girls with facilities for menstrual hygiene management is crucial. Moreover, providing access to clean water, sanitary products, and education on menstrual hygiene can empower girls to manage their periods with dignity and confidence, reducing absenteeism and dropout rates.

Breaking the silence on poor toilet facilities in rural schools requires a collective effort from communities, educational authorities, and policymakers. Host communities can contribute through self-help projects to provide toilet facilities for the schools to retain both girls and boys in schools. Engaging in awareness campaigns to destigmatize menstruation, emphasizing the importance of proper sanitation facilities, and advocating for increased funding for school infrastructure are essential steps toward creating a supportive environment for girls' education.

The Ghanaian government, in collaboration with NGOs and international partners, must prioritize the improvement of toilet facilities in rural schools. Adequate funding and targeted policies can facilitate the construction and maintenance of gender-sensitive sanitation facilities, ensuring that every girl has the right to education without compromising her dignity and health.

Addressing the poor toilet facilities in rural Ghanaian schools is not just a matter of infrastructure improvement; it is a crucial step towards empowering girls and breaking barriers to education. By investing in proper sanitation facilities, we can create an environment where girls feel safe, valued, and free to pursue their education without the hindrance of inadequate facilities. This, in turn, will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous future for rural communities in Ghana.

Dr Simon Boateng

2ND Runners-Up, Ghana Teacher Prize, 2023 (Colleges of Education category)

Environmental/Teacher Educationist

(AUCIEFFA Alum