Geospatial analysis of landfill site selection perspectives using geographic information systems in Bongo district, Ghana

Abstract

This study applied geospatial tools in geographic information systems (GIS) to produce five different landfill suitability maps using criteria selection and prioritisation from the governmental guideline, the local technocrats, the indigenes and two optimal options, which are made up of the harmonisation of the three perspectives. The results from the five perspectives are compared and analysed using the error index technique. The results showed a low spatial agreement (low degree of matching) between the landfill suitability from the governmental guideline and the rest of the perspectives. It also showed a consistent reduction in the areas classified as suitable landfill sites from the governmental guideline to the indigenous perspective. The governmental guideline, thus, exhibits wider spatial discrepancy from the perspective of the local technocrats, and it is even incongruent with that of the indigenes. This study, therefore, exposed a classical case where proponents of landfill sites could meet the governmental guideline and legally acquire permit, but the site could be socioculturally disruptive to the residents. This is identified as the potential source of residents' opposition to landfill siting. The challenges of the criteria in the guideline are also highlighted. A revision of the guideline is suggested, as it is risk-seeking in its current form. Based on this, the bottom-up approach for designing landfill guidelines is recommended.