Strategies for promoting integrated sustainable solid waste management in Ghana

We examined the challenges of Ghana's municipal solid waste (MSW) management which is of significant environmental health importance. The main study objective was to review MSW challenges and recommend proven strategies, policies, and practices for sustainable waste management. Resource limitation, inadequate budgets, and knowledge gaps were key challenges identified as preventing the implementation of sustainable MSW management. Consistent lack of data and inadequate MSW information prevented comparisons across municipalities. Proven strategies and practices for promoting integrated MSW included engineered landfills, recycling, material recovery, and waste-to-energy generation. Stakeholders' commitment and sound knowledge of MSW collection and tracking are required for cost-effective management programs. Education and communication are key to promoting sustainable waste management that includes environmental awareness and implementation of culturally-appropriate messages that target perceived barriers, benefits, and threats. Effective and sustainable MSW management must consider environmental impacts, economic and financial benefits, socio-cultural and political factors, sound institutions, and proactive policies.