In Accra, waste disposal practices reflect a troubling reality, especially in areas like Danquah Circle. Despite prominent “No Dumping” signs, residents frequently ignore them, illustrating a disengagement from civic responsibility.
Sanitation Challenges in Accra
Accra, one of West Africa’s bustling metropolises, faces significant waste management issues. According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census by the Ghana Statistical Service, only 33.4% of households across the nation have effective solid waste collection services. Urban areas perform slightly better, but not enough to mitigate the problem.
Daily Waste Generation
Research estimates that the Accra metropolitan area generates between 2,000 and 2,800 tonnes of solid waste daily. Formal waste collection systems manage to collect about 70% of this volume, leaving a troubling amount uncollected. This waste often ends up in open spaces, drains, and roadside dumps, leading to various public health and environmental concerns.
The Economic Cost of Poor Sanitation
Poor waste management in Ghana is not just an aesthetic issue; it carries significant economic implications. A World Bank report highlighted that inadequate sanitation costs the country around $290 million annually, equating to 1.6% of its GDP in 2012. This figure encompasses healthcare expenditures and productivity losses due to sanitation-related diseases.
Impact on Tourism
Tourism in Ghana significantly relies on its image. The Ghana Tourism Authority reported that over 1.1 million international tourists visited the country in 2023. With December being a peak month for arrivals, visitors often gravitate towards hotspots like Oxford Street.
However, the visible litter problem at places like Danquah Circle sends a discouraging message to first-time guests. Contrary to the expectations of cleanliness and order, a heap of rubbish beneath a “No Dumping” sign can discourage repeat tourism and negatively impact reviews.
Institutional Responsibility
Urban sanitation falls under various authorities, including the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Despite the existence of policies and campaigns, effective enforcement remains lacking. Spot fines are rarely applied, leaving the public with minimal accountability.
Behavioral Challenges
While education on sanitation is prevalent, behavior modification poses a significant challenge. Instances of littering continue as individuals dismiss the signs and norms. One local even expressed indifference to littering, believing that cleanup would resolve the issues.
This attitude illustrates a deeper societal problem: the normalization of non-compliance with established rules. To counteract this behavior, effective sanitation practices must be reinforced through proper facilities, community engagement, and consistent enforcement of regulations.
Addressing the Sanitation Crisis
Accra witnesses periodic clean-up campaigns, but they tend to provide only temporary relief. A more sustainable solution requires a multifaceted approach. This includes consistent enforcement of waste management laws, active civic engagement, and fostering a culture of cleanliness as a community responsibility.
Examples from cities like Kigali demonstrate that transforming sanitation standards requires more than just signage. It involves rigorous enforcement and a collective commitment to maintaining cleanliness.
Until civic pride eclipses convenience, and compliance with rules becomes the norm, Accra will continue to grapple with waste management issues. The “No Dumping” sign at Danquah Circle remains a poignant reminder of the urgent need for behavioral change and effective enforcement to tackle the city’s sanitation struggles.
