Analysis of Improper Disposal of Solid Wastes in a Low-Income Area of Accra, Ghana

Abstract

We examined the causes of poor sanitary condition in Gbawe, a low-income suburb of Accra, the capital city of Ghana in the current era of one of the worst epidemics of cholera in Accra which has been linked to improper disposal of wastes. This survey-based study identified improved and unimproved methods for disposal of household solid wastes.  The likelihood of a person using an improved method of disposing solid wastes increased with increasing household income but it decreased with increasing number of household members. A conclusion arising from the study is the need for local government authorities to abolish the fees and charges imposed on users of public waste collection centres in order to encourage proper disposal of solid wastes. Indirect methods of financing local authorities such as increased levels of property taxes need to be explored to finance the development and maintenance of adequate numbers of public waste collection centres to encourage proper disposal of solid wastes by householders and the general public.