An Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Ghana: A Scoping Review of Challenges, Opportunities, and Technology Options

Marian Kusi-Appiah, Richard J. Murphy and Lirong Liu ()
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Marian Kusi-Appiah: Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
Richard J. Murphy: Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK
Lirong Liu: Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 18, 1-26

Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) management is a key issue for Ghana’s cities, affecting public health, environmental sustainability, and socioeconomic development. This paper presents a research analysis of academic databases and literature repositories on Ghana’s existing MSW management system techniques, issues, and possibilities, complemented by site visits and engagement with diverse actors in the system. It also seeks to incorporate comparative analyses from Sub-Saharan African countries to inform a proposed Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) framework for environmental sustainability and public health. This review included peer-reviewed, English-language, full-text articles and relevant organisational documents published between 2000 and 2024, focusing on geographically and thematically relevant MSW management content, while excluding the irrelevant, non-authoritative grey literature and duplicates. Although there have been improvements in certain areas, Ghana’s MSW management system is still marked by inadequate finance, infrastructure, public awareness, weak regulations, and informal waste sector exclusion. However, opportunities exist in leveraging technologies like engineered landfills, composting, MRFs, and diverse WtE options. Comparative analyses reveal shared challenges, as well as emerging sustainable practices and the vital role of the informal waste sector, across Sub-Saharan Africa. The findings highlight important information regarding the trends in MSW generation, collection methods, treatment technologies, and disposal strategies. With further exploration on the constraints and prospects for MSW management in Ghana, it is recommended that an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) approach with innovative technologies is the way forward to address the challenges and improve MSW management practices in Ghana.

Keywords: municipal solid waste; sustainable waste management; innovative technologies; policies; sub-Saharan African countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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