The contribution of participatory engagement strategies to reliable data gathering and inclusive policies in developing countries: Municipal solid waste management data in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana

Assessment of Belief Constructs to Support an Intervention in Municipal Solid Waste Separation at the Source in Low–Middle-Income Countries: Observations from the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

“…Despite the significant socioeconomic contribution of the informal waste actors, they are yet to be recognised and integrated into the MSWM system [41,68]. The MSWM system of the basin, like that of cities in low-middle-income countries, is not financially sustainable [68][69][70]. The institutions managing the system have since 2017 seen improvement, but human resource capacities remain inadequate [67].…”

“…Around one-third (34%) of participants claimed to segregate plastic bottles from their waste streams, either for free or for sale to itinerant buyers. Whilst the researchers were unable to verify these claims, there is evidence of the practice in major cities in Ghana, where some households within middle-and low-income neighbourhoods separate metals and plastics to support their livelihoods [12,70]. Almost equal numbers of participants (~43%) preferred either a three-category (biodegradables, plastics, and metals) or a two-category (biodegradables; all other recyclable MSW) separation at the source process, which is consistent with the literature and practices elsewhere, where decision makers are advised to start with a two-category or three-category separation process to allow for learning before scaling up to more complex separation categories [44,75].…”

Evidence-based pathway for solid waste modernisation and sustainability in Ghana

“…The ISPs now work alongside the formal waste collection companies and sometimes serve as backup collectors, especially in poor communities. The commitment and support from municipal decision-makers has also improved and the narrative of the ISPs has moved from neglect to recognition with an ongoing development of action plans towards integration (Oduro-Appiah et al, 2020a). The Accra Metropolitan Assembly in 2018 registered all 720 ISPs within its boundaries as part of efforts towards their integration and also as a best practice to the other municipalities.…”

“…The Accra Metropolitan Assembly in 2018 registered all 720 ISPs within its boundaries as part of efforts towards their integration and also as a best practice to the other municipalities. There are about 1618 ISPs within the GAMA contributing to the collection of 1320 tons (45%) of all MSW collected within the area; and their activities alone saves the 25 municipalities of US$20 million in annual MSW operations cost (Oduro-Appiah et al, 2020a). The ISPs now have access to improved and affordable tricycles for MSW collection and travel shorter distances to disposal sites.…”

“…combined MSW recycling rate in Ghana is estimated at 8.6% with the informal sector contribution at 6.2% (Oduro-Appiah et al, 2020a), which is classified as low on the WasteAware indicators but is at least based on some real evidence-based information (Table 6.1). However, the real solid waste recycling rate is probably higher, since this rate calculation does not include the recovery of metals and e-waste taking place at the Old Fadama Scrap Yard.…”