2018 Reports

Accra, Ghana: The Challenge of a Developing City

Oteng-Ababio, Martin

Accra, Ghana faces significant challenges in managing municipal solid waste, generating over 2,200 tons per day with limited source separation and inadequate collection systems. Waste management relies heavily on privatized services and the informal recycling sector, while open dumping and burning pose serious health and environmental risks. Recent initiatives, including the Tema sanitary landfill, community-based composting, and the Accra Composting and Recycling Plant, aim to improve waste recovery and reduce emissions. Despite these efforts, the city continues to strive for full waste collection coverage, increased public participation, and the elimination of hazardous disposal practices.