SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN HOHOE MUNICIPALITY OF THE VOLTA REGION, GHANA

Abstract

The study was about achieving clean environment through the practice of effective and efficient solid waste management processes and methods. The main objective of this study was to ascertain the nature of solid waste management in light of challenges and health implications on individuals. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The quantitative approach used was a survey using questionnaire and the qualitative approaches included direct observation and key informant interview. Data was also collected from Municipal Assembly documents. The study made the following findings that, large maj ority thus ninety four percent (94%) of respondents were aware of how solid waste was generated. Solid wastes generated were mostly organic in nature. Individuals were mostly involved in collection and dumping of solid waste while other management processes were minimally performed: thirty-seven percent (37%) treated collected waste, forty-three percent (43%) benefited from door to door waste collection and fifty-six percent (56%) used public disposal sites, twenty-seven percent (27%) sorted out collected solid waste. Also fifty five percent (55%) lived a bit far «100m) from skip stations. Final disposal was by tipping and burning. Out of the total respondents, fifty- four percent (54%) were aware of health implications of improper solid waste management but did not appreciate the fact that poor solid waste management could affect sustainable development. Notable challenges were inadequate working resources, weak enforcement of regulations and poor planning of settlements. Individuals were not aware of existing bye-laws, poor attitude and behavior towards waste management and lack of technical know- how. In conclusion, Solid waste management in Hohoe is ineffective and non-holistic hence the municipality risks the consequences of poor solid waste management such as poor health of individuals, unsightly scenes and unsustainable development. The study recommended that, there should be attitudinal and behavioural change education by municipal environmental health department and other stakeholders on solid waste management and use of integrated solid waste management (ISWM) model.