An Integrated Approach to Urban Waste Management in a Developing Country: A Case Study of the Accra Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Abstract

This research explored the concept of an integrated approach to urban waste management in the Accra Metropolitan Area in Ghana. Like many cities in developing countries, the Accra Metropolis has a high urban population that contributes to the generation of massive volumes of waste on a regular basis. Yet, available evidence in the literature suggests that waste management in the metropolis is highly problematic and characterized by gross inefficiencies. Data was collected mainly through interviews, observation techniques as well as a comprehensive review of the literature pertaining to urban waste management in developing countries. The research uncovered that urban waste management in Accra is predicated in the conventional approach to waste management service delivery. In line with this ‘collect and dispose’ technique, there are no effective strategies geared toward waste minimization and in addition, the planning and decision-making process is heavily centralized, technocratic and makes no provisions for stakeholder participation. An Integrated Waste Management (IWM) approach is recommended as a suitable intervention strategy for improving the situation.