The Problem of Solid Waste Management (A Case Edification Introspecting The Kwahu West Municipality of Ghana)

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The Problem of Solid Waste Management (A Case Ediﬁcation Introspecting the

Kwahu West Municipality of Ghana)
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International Journal of Health, Nursing, & Medicine
ISSN: 2193-3715, Volume 2, Issue 2, page 44 - 64
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The Problem of Solid Waste

Management
(A Case Edification Introspecting the Kwahu
West Municipality of Ghana)
Ackah, James Yamekeh1, Chukwuma Adaobi2 & Atianashie Miracle3
1
Fr, Dr. Ackah, James Yamekeh, 2Chukwuma Adaobi & 3Atianashie Miracle
Catholic University College of Ghana
Ghana
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine problems of solid waste management at
Nkwakaw. The study consisted of 100 respondents chosen from 90 households using systematic
sampling technique. This study is purely descriptive cross sectional study with both quantitative
and qualitative methods. Statistical package for social scientist (SPSS) version was used for the
analysis after data collection using close and open ended questions. At the end of the study, the
findings came out that the respondents have a way of managing their solid waste with some of
them using the services of private contractors. Twenty-three percent (23%) of the respondents
dumped their solid waste elsewhere which is later used as manure for their backyard farming. It
was noted that inadequate communal containers for storing waste, lack of routine collection of
waste and inadequate resources for the sanitation unit to effectively collect the waste generated
are some of the problems uncounted in terms of waste management. The researcher at the end of
the study recommends that the public should be educated by the environmental health officers on
solid waste and its related issues. Basically, hygiene practices should be taught especially on
radios, televisions, in newspapers, and in schools to educate people on proper ways of handling
solid waste and keeping the surrounding clean. Also, there be adequate supply of resources and
regular collection of waste.
Keywords: 3 Solid Waste, Attitude and Perception, West Municipal, Hazard.
1. INTRODUCTION
Solid waste is grouped into two main characteristic types, namely, combustible and non-combustibles.
Combustible waste comprise of card, paper, plastics, wood these are wastes which can easily be burnt. Non
combustibles are those that cannot be easily burnt such as cans, metals, glasses, among others (Nang‟echi,
1992, p.6).
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Ackah, J. Y., Adaobi, C. & Miracle, A. 2019. The Problem of Solid Waste Management .............
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“Waste handling is one of the greatest challenges facing human kind in the modern times in spite of
the numerous technological achievements that have been documented. Technology alone has not been able
to effectively control waste generated in communities‟ worldwide. Rather it appears that new technologies
bring new types of waste into the environment to add to the complex accumulation puzzle” (Kwawe,
1995:53). “a great mixture of substances including fine dust, cinder, metals, glass, paper and cardboard,
textiles, pesticides, vegetable materials and plastics characterized solid waste” (Simmens, 1981).
Solid management has been the integral part of every human society (Shekdar, 2009). This problem
has been increasing with change in in consumption pattern; increase in consumerism and unavailability of
waste management facilities. One obvious consequence of rapid urbanization is the growing generation of
solid waste and many city authorities face unprecedented challenges in managing these, including
problems of coping their collection and disposal (2006).
According to Tchobanoglous et al. (1993), solid waste management is a discipline associated with the
control of generation, collection, transfer and transport, processing and disposal of solid waste in a manner
that is in accordance with the best principles of public health, economics, engineering, conservation,
aesthetic and other environmental considerations and that is also responsive to the public attitudes.
“Recent events in major urban Centres in Africa have shown that the problem of waste management
has become a monster that has aborted most effort by city authorities, state and the federal government and
professionals alike” (Onibokun 1999). Waste is more recognized than defined, something can become
waste when it is no longer useful to the owner or it is used and fail to fulfill its purpose (Gouley, 1992).
According to Miller (1988), solid waste is any useless, unwanted or discarded material that is not liquid or
gas.
Eating healthy food to be strong, productive and live long is synonymous to caring about waste
management in our society. According to the United Nations conference on human settlement report, one-
third to half of solid waste generated within most cities in low and middle income countries are not
collected. They usually end up as illegal dumps on streets open space and waste lands (UNCH, 1996).
Throughout the western world, there are no longer convenient holes in the ground into which to tip
unwanted matter (Gouley, 1992). The developing countries, having refused to become the „garbage
container‟ of the western world, also lack appropriate storage facilities, treatment technologies and
methods of waste disposal. In the olden days, waste disposal did not pose problems as inhabitants and were
sparse and enough land. Waste management became a problem due to the rise of town and cities where
large numbers of people started to migrate to relatively small areas in search of greener pastures.
According to Mensah et al. (2005), based on an estimated population of 22 million an d average daily
waste generation per capita of 0.45kg, Ghana generates annually about 3.0million tons of solid waste.
Ghana‟s first sanitary landfill facilities were commissioned in the four largest towns in the country
namely Accra, Kumasi, and Sekondi Takoradi between 2003 and 2004. Solid waste is waste consisting of
domestic waste, industrial waste, public cleansing or street waste containing less than 70% of water. Solid
waste is widespread environmental problem and has been categorized into two broad terms namely
hazardous and non-hazardous. Hazardous waste are those unwanted materials capable of posing a
substantial threat to health or the environment. Non-hazardous waste is those waste that pose no direct
threat to human, animal or plant life. However, they are risk to the society and the ecology if too much is
generated and not properly managed.
Solid waste management involves collection, storage, transportation and disposal of solid waste.
Nkawkaw is engulfed in fifth because it has a serious waste management from generation through storage
to disposal. The wrong perception and unconcern attitude of resident towards waste management might
also be the cause of this problem.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

Solid waste management anywhere in the world is a problem that continually accelerates as a product
of industrialization and population growth. As cities grow economically, greater business activity and
diverse consumption patterns serve to drive up the solid waste quantities. Ghana has been principal victim
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of this disaster. Enough attention has been given to this challenge, but it seems to be a mere lip service that
is played. A holistic and technical approach is needed since solid waste management is a complex
challenge for the environment. (Allafrica.com 24-09-11).
Waste that are not properly managed are a serious health hazards leading to the spread of infectious
diseases. Unattended waste lying around attracts flies, rats, and creatures that in turn spread diseases.
WHO (2004) estimates that about 1.8 million people die annually from diarrheal diseases where 90% are
children under five, mostly in developing countries. With the increasing influx of the people and the rapid
urbanization, huge amount of human and small scale business waste of about 950 tones generate out of
which 480 tones are collected representing 51%. This leaves a substantial amount of back log that creates
various kinds of inconveniences including health hazards to the people of Nkawkaw. Indiscriminate
dumping of waste, irregular collection of waste generated and inadequate resources are the problems
facing solid waste management in the municipal. Also lack of equipment and the absence of proper
engineered final disposal sites delay the emptying of containers placed at vantage points. These containers
overflow and litter scattered around it leading to the possible factors of diarrheal diseases. It therefore
becomes necessary for this study to examine the problems of solid waste management in Nkawkaw.
1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

Records of the Nkawkaw Holy Family Hospital shows that aside diet, most of the reported cases are
sanitation related of which solid waste is inclusive (records of HFH Nkawkaw). Diseases such as malaria,
typhoid fever and diarrheal diseases are commonly found in the area. Human resources could be lost
through poor waste management and this can affect productivity in the area. Solid waste management
seems to be neglected and as such prompted the researcher to study in problems with solid waste
management at Nkawkaw in the Kwahu West Municipal. The study therefore intends to explore
appropriate strategies and recommendations in clearing solid waste in the sustainable manner.
1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

 To assess solid waste management both at household level and the municipal level.
 To ascertain the attitude and perception of people towards solid waste management.
 To assess the kind of incentive available for Kwahu West Municipal workers in dealing with
solid waste in terms of health hazards.
1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION

 How often do you assess solid waste management both at household a municipal level?
 What are the attitudes and perceptions of the people in view of solid waste management?
 What kinds of incentives are available for the workers?
 What is the health hazards associated with solid waste?
1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study is significant because it will help the researcher to discover the problems of solid waste
management. It will help create awareness about the dangers associated with improper waste management.
It will be relevant to the \kwahu municipal Assembly and the Municipal Environmental Health Department
as to how to properly manage solid waste. The study will assist policy makers to draw concrete plans that
will tackle the problems of solid waste management and also stimulate further research.
1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Although there are quite a number of suburbs in Nkawkaw, the researcher decide to include Zongo,
Akuajoo and Maamaso communities for the household level. The reason is that, it is normally in these
three communities that communal refuse containers get full and litters scattered around the containers.

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2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Solid Waste Management Practices both at Household and the Municipal levels.
According to Nyachhyon (2006), public partnership has been identified as efficient instrument to
promote solid waste management at the municipal level. Usually in the area of urban public service such as
waste management, are promoted as a means to deliver service through a contractual relationship with a
private sector firm.
Nyang' echi (1992 p. 45) , stated that when solid waste is left to lie and heap on the ground,
decomposition takes place and the nuisance of smell , flies and invasion of rodents occur. These
decomposition waste can be used as manure through composting for farming purposes. He therefore
explains that waste at the households and the municipal levels can be use be used various purpose called
composting when the waste is condensed. Benneh et al. (1993) observed that residential domestic waste
forms the bulk of all sources of solid waste produced in urban areas. These household wastes are known to
have high densities with high moisture content and the organic component of solid waste, which properly
accounts for about 70% to 90% , while tins , cans and proper are probably responsible for about 5% to
10% of the total waste generated is still weak , about 83% of the population dump refuse in either
authorized or unsanitary conditions.
The overall problem of solid waste management at municipal level is obviously multi- faceted ; many
organizations including the United Nations and various non - governmental organizations advocated an
integrated approach to solid waste management at the municipal level by identifying key stakeholders,
identifying specific issues which comprise " stumbling blocks" and making recommendations based on
appropriate technologies, local information, pressing human and environmental health concern (
UNEP,2009; Hope , 1998 ) . Within each sector, there are various sub sectors which can and are being
dealt with separately by many nations and municipalities.
Developing countries have solid waste management problems different from those found in fully
industrialized countries, (Cointreau, 1982 ) , in his study noted several common differences in the
composition of solid waste of solid waste in developing nations;
 Waste density two to three times greater than industrialized nations.
 Moisture content two three greater than industrialized nations.
 Large amount of organic waste (vegetable matter).
 Large quantities of dust, dirty (street sweeping)
 Smaller particle size on average than in industrialized nations
These differences from industrialized nations must be recognized both in terms of the additional
problems they present as well as the potential opportunities which arise from their waste composition. In
areas where there are collection services which removes waste from individual households, often there are
no standardized containers used to store waste prior to pick up.
Headley (1998), stated that in Barbados, there are no containers designated by municipalities to " set out
" waste for collection; it is sort of collection containers. Frequently, these are plastic barrels or discarded oil
drums, however the majority of households simply place grocery bags full of waste on the street to await
collection. There may be physical dangers to collection threatening the integrity of the later.
Zubrugg stated that solid waste management at the municipal level in developing countries has typical
problem area that can be identified. He described them as:
 Limited utilization of recycling activities
 Inadequate landfill disposal.
 Inadequate management of hazardous and health care waste.
Guoley (1992) argued that by focusing on the production process itself , examining where waste are
generated and exploring how they can be reduced , even simple measure such as separating was so that
they can be reused more easily, using different raw materials or replacing non-biodegradable product with
biodegradable ones can help achieve large waste reduction results. He also claimed that the greater put of

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present waste arises not because the producer does not want it in such quantities that waste is inevitable.
This argument paces emphasis on recycling and conversation of waste management practices.
No solid waste management technology can function successful unless the municipal corporation
authorities strictly adopt the practice of segregation the garbage at domestic level, said Amrit Mann ,
Mayor of Borough of Hounslow , London , here today. He said segregation of garbage at household-level
was initiated by the local government in London long ago, for which the key aspect was to make the
residents aware about the utility and necessity of this system. In fact, the cost of the three - coloured bins,
which are positioned in front of every house in London is borne by the residents. The corporation's
responsibility is only to lift the garbage regularly and dispose it off, he said.
When the government of African countries were asked by the World Health Organization to prioritize
their environment health concerns, the result revealed that while solid waste was identified as the second
most important (after water quality) , less than 30% of urban populations have access to "proper and
regular garbage removal " ( Senkoro, 2003 ).
Meeting the financial demands of solid waste management at the municipal level will continue to be a
problem in the cities of developing countries. In areas where residents are assessed fees for waste removal,
the rate collection can be quite poor. Further, fewer and fewer people will not be willing to pay in the face
of poor or declining service. Many municipalities may not even be aware of the degree to which revenues
are collected, or the true cost of their entire solid waste operations. In this wise many municipalities have
tuned to privatization as a potential solution; certainly the financial picture is cleared somewhat when the
entire system is turned over to outside contractors. However local government will still be held
accountable if service declines ( Sc ' hu ' beler 1996 ).
2.2 The Attitude and Perception of People towards Solid Waste Management.
Navez - Bounchaire (1993) stated that management of household refuse is tied to perception and
socio- cultural practices which result in modes of appreciation of space which are greatly different to
whether the space is private or public. This is relevant as the population is heterogeneous.
Abrokwah ( 1998 ) , observed that ignorance , negligence and lack of law to punish sanitary offenders
and low level of technology in waste management are three major causes of waste management problems
in Kumasi ; he suggested that awareness should be created among the residents to manage household I
refuse and educate them on hazards that I'll - disposal waste could pose to the environment and to them.
Kendie (1999 ) argue that , the recent upsurge in waste disposal problems stems from the fact that,
"attitude and perception towards waste and rating of waste disposal issues in people's minds and in scheme
of official development plans have not been adequately considered ". There has been a tendency to
concentrate on the design of waste management technologies and how to apply them in context rather than
looking at the problem from governance perspective.
According to Agbola ( 1993 ) the root cause of many nations' environmental problems can be traced to
the way and manner in which " the imbibed behavioral patterns and acquired values are superimposed on
the environment" . Attitude are derived from experiences or leadership. He further said that beliefs,
perceptions and attitude are learned response sets and can therefore be changed through education.
In an article, " Do Attitude Matter”: Waste Disposal and Wetland Pollution in the Cape Coast
Municipalities of Ghana " Kendie ( 1999) , set out to develop an in-depth understanding of sanitation
practices and underlying factor responsible for the state of environmental sanitation in Cape Coast by
exploring the relationship between perception, attitude and beliefs on the same hand and sanitation
practices on the other. In this article Kendie was quick to dismiss the argument on rapid urbanization and
Inadequate funds.
According to him there is a positive relationship between the growth rate of cities and environmental
health. This view suggests that the faster the growth rate of urban centers, the more likely that
environmental services would be provided. Besides Ghana's urban population growth rate (4.0 - 4.5 per
annum) is lower than countries such as Botswana (12%), Zimbabwe ( 6% ) which have relative improved
sanitation services. Again Kedie thought that " while inadequate funding may have contributed to poor
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sanitation in the 1970's and early 1980's this argument no longer holds argument no longer holds in recent
years. This study clearly shows that most people do not believe nor not sure whether the authorities in
charge of waste can solve the problems.
Although these weakness have been attributed to lack of logistics and financial management, people's
attitudes towards waste management should not be ignored (Nze , 1978 ) . He outlined several factors,
which have conspired to promote several factors, which have conspired to promote the massive buildup of
urban garbage and waste. Nze noted that they resulted from inadequate and deficient infrastructure,
Inadequate structure for environment administration, and deficient infrastructure, inadequate structures for
environmental administration, lopsided planning pastures and disregard for basic aesthethetic, industrial
and commercial growth, and other human factors. According to him, urban waste in Nigeria are regarded
as " non-resources" having at best a nuisance value and therefore not surprising that an equally negative
posture has been adopted in managing waste from urban concentrations in the country.
2.3 The Kind of Incentives Available for Solid Waste Management Workers.
Dumping picking is more hazardous than street picking. There are no reports of significant reduction
in health risk for dump pickers except when there have been substantial improvements in their basic living
conditions. The provision of gloves and boots pickers in Calcutta and other places failed. Schemes for
setting up coveryar belt plants at dump sites to facilities sorting ( as was done in Europe in the 19th century
) are often discussed . Mexico City and Cuidad Jurez have built such plans. In Seoul, on the other hand,
NGOs have assisted dump side communities more broadly, with sanitary facilities, medical care , and
education . It is possible that establishing designated picking areas at dumps, away from the tipping face
would help dump management. In fact, at large dumps, pickers usually cooperate among themselves and
with staff to avoid chaos and accidents. ( UNEP 2009 ).
Concerning salaries and incentive for solid waste management workers in Syria , they are generally
included in the grade of salaries, wages and incentive for workers in the government sectors plus the
compensation of solid waste management workers , which is a value of about 100% of the original salary.
This equals to about 50% of over the income of workers in other field. For example, the monthly income
of cleanliness worker is 3,700 Syrain pounds. This increase every two years at a rate of 7-9% (Ministry of
State Environment 2002).
Many local governments have utilized an incentive or " task pay” system for their waste collection
crews. In this type of system, each crew is assigned specific route, with a fixed number of stops to service
each day. They are paid a full day's work no matter how quickly or slowly they take to complete the route.
This gives workers an incentive to finish their routes as quickly as possible, while still ensuring that all
residences will be picked up in the course of the day. While this type of system has many advantages for
both collection crews and the local government, it also creates problems. Workers might place speed ahead
of safety, causing injuries to themselves or traffic accidents.
Also as waste generated patterns and neighborhood demography change over time, the route may
become unbalanced, with some becoming too long and others too short. These changes become especially
significant when a community increases waste diversion through recycling and / or "pay - as you throw "
fee structure (where households are charged on the basis of the amount of waste they produce). It is often
difficult to adjust work assignment to reflect these changes. ( Bartone, 1995 ).
Caincross et al. (1994, p. 113 - 146), noted that epidemiological studies conducted on compost use in
the United States of America revealed that aspergillus fumigatus as nose and throat culture positive were
more common among compost workers than other workers. Proper measure such as wearing of boots,
masks and gloves should be taken seriously in order to prevent the of spores of secondary pathogens
especially through the turning of compost piles.

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3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Background of the study area
Kwahu West District was curbed out of Kwahu South District in 2004 as part of Government local
reform policy. The District was upgraded to a Municipal status in January 2008 by the legislature interment
1870. The municipal lies between latitude 6 ' 30 North, 7'North and longitude 0'30 West, 1' West of the
equator, covering an area of 414 square kilometers . The Municipal capital, Nkawkaw is located about 241
kilometers North - West of Accra with a projected population of 53,520 (KWMA).
The Municipal is bounded to the north by Kwahu South District , to the west by Asante Akim South
District . To the east, it is bounded by the Fanteakwa District and to the south by Birim North and Atiwa
Districts. A very high proportion (66 per cent ) of the municipal population is Kwahus . The other
significant tribes are ewes (15 per cent ) and Asantes (17 per cent ) . These figures portray the municipal as
heterogeneous in terms of ethnicity. Again the municipal is predominantly Christian as they constitute 89
per cent. Ismalic and the traditional religions also constitute 10 per cent. The commercial activities of the
people are farming, trading and surface mining. It has social amenities such as schools,
telecommunication, electricity and water. Nkawkaw play host to both civil and public servant as well.
Kwahu South West Municipal lies within the semi - deciduous zone with very little of virgin forest
existing due to the negative effect of timber extraction and farming practices. There are are three forest
reverse in the municipal namely southern scarp being the largest , Kade bepo and Nkawkaw forest reverse.
Pra , Trado , Asuoboni and Adensua are some rivers in he municipal. The existing transportation networks
are roads and railways. However with the disfunctioning of the railway system, road networks are roads
and railways. However with the disfunctioning of the railway system, road network is the only available
transport system. Ghana Private Road Transport Union of TUC is the major road transport provider with
support from Cooperative Transport Association and Private Owner Transportation Association.
The following are some of non -governmental organizations in the municipal;
 Word Vision International
 Adventist Development and Relief Agency
 Coalition for HIV / AIDS Awareness
 Alcohol Nicotine Free Association
 Passionate Friends Foundation
 The Huger Project.
Table 1: Top ten disease in the municipal

Diseases Figures
Malaria 25,394
Hypertension 5,621
Skin disease 4,518
Acute respiratory infection 2,912
Acute eye infection 2,398
Diabetes mellitus 1,487
Gyaenocological conditions 1,468
Pregnancy related diseases 1,420
Rheumatism 1,320
Diarrheal diseases 1,319
(Kwahu West Municipal Health Directorate)
Most people visit the hospital and clinics for treatment. Some buy from the chemical shops whereas other
treat themselves with herds. The type and source of treatment depends on the person's perception of the
cause of a particular disease, individual's location and distance from recognized health institutions.

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Table 2: Health Facilities in the Municipal
FACILITY NUMBER COMMENTS
Hospital 1 Mission
Hospital 3 Private
Maternity clinics 5 Private
Homeopathy clinics 2 Private
RCH 6 GHS
CHPS 21 GHS
(Kwahu West Municipal Health Directorate)
The municipal has over 94 Traditional Birth Attendants out of which 68 have been trained ,77 Herbalist
and Spiritual Healers. There is piped water system, hand dug Wells or boreholes in the municipal. Some of
the communities also depend on rivers and streams as their source of water supply. It has also got few
sanitary facilities.
Table 3: Toilet Facilities

TYPES OF TOILET PRIVATE PUBLIC
WATER CLOSET 384 5
VIP 1600 -
KVIP - 13
ENVIROLOO - 8
STL 133 22
Pit Latrine 1509 1
Pan Latrine 14 1
Sources: Environmental Health Unit
3.2 Types of Study / Study Design

This study was non - intervention study which adopted a descriptive study type. The issue of solid
waste management at both household level and municipal level has been a matter of great concern. The
researcher chose this study type because the researcher knows the problems of solid waste management
and want to carry out an in - depth description of solid waste management and its associated causes.
3.3 Data Collection Techniques (s) Tool (s)

Questionnaire and interview was the main instrument developed and used to gather data for the study.
The questionnaire was administered to some respondents while others were interviewed. The questions on
the instrument were mainly open ended. The items on the questionnaire were organized into two sections.
Section A deals with the bio data of the respondent while sections B deals with the main data comprising
specific objectives of the study. The questionnaires were given to respondent for completion either
immediately or at their convenience during the day. Those who could not read and write were interviewed
in their local languages.
3.4 Study Population

The target group for this study was some selected households and all municipal environmental health
workers at Nkawkaw who are at age 20 and above comprising of both males and females.
3.5 Sampling Techniques

Systematic sampling technique was applied to select 72 houses out of the 1440 houses. Starting from
the Eastward of the main Accra to Kumasi road, the first house was included after which every twentieth

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house was also included in the study. Accidental sampling was also used to select the various households
in the first one to three households are selected depending on the number of household in each house.
3.6 Sample Size

The sample for the study was made up of 30 households in each of the three communities chosen
namely Zongo , Akuajoo and Maamaso and all environmental health officers. The reason is that , it is
normally in these three communities that communal refuse containers get full and liters scattered around
the containers . Through this process, size of 100 respondents was engaged for the study.
3.7 Data Analysis

The data collected from the respondents were edited, coded and fed into the computer. Special
Package for Social Science ( SPSS) version ..... was used to run the data . The results were presented in the
form of frequency distribution tables, bar charts and pie charts.
3.8 Limitation(s) of the Study

The following constraints were encountered during the study
1 Time frame was limited. Considering the time frame coupled with academic work is very limited.
2 No funds for mobilization and transportation. Due to lack of funds, purchasing of stationary and the cost
of printing the entire work was a problem and transportation to the communities.
3 Language barrier . The questionnaires had to be translated into local language ( Akan ) for those who
cannot read and write.
4 Some respondents put up criticism and argument which resulted in their inaccurate response to the
questionnaire.
5 Some respondents wanted to be compensated for the time spent in responding to the questionnaire. This
made the administration of the questionnaire quite difficult.
3.9 Ethical Considerations

Permission letter were sent to the Kwahu West Municipal Assembly and Environmental Health and
Sanitation Unit to seek permission to conduct the study in the municipality. The respondents were assured
of confidential and annoymity. Their right of privacy was Paramount to the researcher and that made them
to feel to provide the right information needed for study.
4. RESULTS PRESENTATION
This portion of the study provide comprehensive interpretation of result and discussion of findings.
4.1. Bio data respondents

Table 4: Gender of Respondents
Gender Frequency Percentage (%)
Female 48 53.3
Male 42 46.7
Total 90 100.0
(Sources: Field data)
Result from table 4 indicates that respondents who are Female recorded the highest percentage of total
population (53.3) whiles their Male counterparts recorded the last percentage of the study representing
(46.7%).

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Table 5 : Age ( in years ) Distribution of Respondents
Age Frequency Percentage %
20 11 12.2%
21 - 30 39 43.3%
31 - 40 18 20.0%
41 and above 22 24.4%
Total 90 100.0%
(Source: Field data)
Table 2 depicts that respondents within the age of 21 - 30 years participated in the study representing (43.3
%) of the total population of the study. This is followed by (41 and above) years constituting a percentage
of (24.4%) of the population. The least age group that participated were 31 - 40 years and 20 years
representing (20%) and (12.2%) respectively of the respondents interviewed.
Table 6: Distribution of Respondents Residence / Community

Residence/community Frequency Percentage %
Akuajoo 30 33.3%
Maamaso 30 33.3%
Zongo 30 33.3%
Total 90 100.0%
(Source: Field Data)
Table 7: Educational Background of Respondents

Educational background Frequency Percentage%
Elementary/ JSS 29 32.2%
No formal education 13 14.4 %
Primary 8 8.9%
SSS 31 34.4%
Tertiary 90 10.0%
Total 90 100.0%
(Sources: Field data)
The results of the study revealed that majority (34.4%) of the respondents had only SHS education. It also
revealed that (32.2%) had Elementary/ J H S education, (14.4 %) of the respondents had no formal
education (8.9%) however had up to primary education.
Table 8. Religion of Respondents

Religion Frequency Percentage %
Christian 60 66.7%
Muslim 21 23.3 %
Traditional 9 10.0%
Total 90 100.0%
Table 8 shows that majority (66.7%) of the respondents were Christmas followed by (23.3%) of the
respondents who were Muslims. However, (10%) of the respondents were Traditional Worshipers.

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Table 9. Marital Status of Respondents
Marital Status Frequency Percentage%
Divorce 7 7.8%
Married 39 43.3%
Single 38 42.2%
Windowed 6 6.7%
Total 90 100.0
(Source : Field data)
Table 9: indicates that there are (43.3%) of respondents who are married in the study However, the results
also revealed that (42.2%) of the respondents are single, (6.7%) of the respondents were no longer staying
with their husbands/wives or are widowed but (7.8%) were divorced.
4.2 Solid waste management practices both at the household and municipal levels.
FIGURE 1: SHOWING RESPONDENTS’ MEANS OF DISPOSING REFUSE.
Findings from figure 1 shows that 40% of the people use the facilities of the eh, 33.3% use private
contractor, 23.3% dump elsewhere and 3.3% burn their solid waste.

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FIGURE 2: Showing Respondents’ Type of Storage Facility
Figure 2 indicates that 46.7% use dustbin with fitting covers, 28.9% use basket and 24.4% use others.
FIGURE 3: SHOWING HOW RESPONDENTS TREAT THEIR REFUSE
Figure 3 depicts that 60% practice compositing, 30% practice crude dumping and 10% practice sanitary
landfill.
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FIGURE 4: SHOWING PROBLEM RTESULTING FROM THE MODE OF SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT
Figure 4 indicates that 30% perceive the problem surface water pollution, 20% think there will land
pollution, and 20% also think the site will serve as breeding grounds for this flies, 20% think there will be
offensive odour and 10% think there can be an outbreak of disease.
FIGURE 5: RESPONDENTS SOLUTIONS TO THE TO THE PROBLEMS OF SOLID WASTE

MANAGEMENT

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4.3 THE ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION OF PEOPLE TOWARDS SOLID WASTE
MANAGEMENT.
FIGURE 6. RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON WHOSE RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO CLEAN

THE ENVIRONMENT.
Figure 6 shows that 57.8% is both, 35.6% are individual and 6.7% said health inspectors.
FIGURE 7: RESPONDENTS KNOWLEDGE ON WHETHER WASTE MANAGEMENT

PERSONNELS ARE IMPORTANT
Figure 7 explains that 94.4% of the respondents said yes while 5.6% said no.

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FIGURE 8: RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEGDE ON WHETHER THEY WILL OFFER ANY

POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE FOR SOLID WASTES MANAGEMENT IN NKAWKAW
Figure 8 SHOWS 82.2% SAID THEY OFFER ASSISTANCE WHILE 17.8% SAID THEY WILL NOT.
FIGURE 9: SHOWING RESPONDENTS’ RECOMMENDATION FOR PROPER

MANAGEMENT OF SOLID WASTE IN NKAWKAW
Figure 9 indicate that 35.6% suggested that dustbins with fitting covers should be placed at vantage points,
18.9% also said that communal containers should be emptied frequently, 15.6% said that health education
should be given on proper waste, 14.4% said that solid waste should be burnt regularly, 13.3% said there
should be clean-up exercise twice a week and 22.2% suggested recycling of the solid waste.

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The kind of incentives available for solid waste management workers.
Table 10: Available equipment and its optimum number

OPTIMUM
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE FREQUENCY PERCENTAGE%
NUMBER
Hand Fork 4 10 6 60%
Wheel Barrow 2 10 4 40%
Rake 3 10 8 80%
Shovel 5 10 3 30%
Long Broom 5 10 2 20%
Wellington
4 15 2 20%
boots
Dustbins 13 15 2 20%
Total 36 80 27 100%
Results from table 7 indicate that a required of 10 hand forks were needed as against 4 that were available
representing 60%, 10% rakes were needed as against 2 that were available representing 40%, 10 rakes
were needed as against 3 available ones representing 80%, 10 shovels were needed as against 5 that were
available representing 30%, 10 long broom were needed as against 5 available ones representing 20%, 15
wellington boots were needed as against 4 that were available representing 20%, 15 dustbins were needed
as against 13 available ones representing 20%. The optimum number is the number of equipment they
presently have.
Table 11: Available labour force and its optimum number

Optimum
Description Available Frequency Percentage%
Number
Sanitary
10 20 6 60%
Labourers
Sweepers 4 10 8 80%
Refuse
5 10 6 60%
collectors
Cleaners 9 15 5 50%
Total 28 55 25 100%
Table 8 shows that 20 sanitary labourers were needed as against 10 that were available representing 60%,
10 sweepers were needed as against 4 that were available representing 80%, 10 refuse collectors were
needed as against 4 that were available representing 60%, and 15 cleaners were needed as against 9 that
were available representing 50%.

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Do you feel comfortable in where you work?
10
90
YES NO
FIGURE 10: SHOWING WHETHER RESPONDENTS FEEL COMFORTABLE IN WHERE

THEY WORK.
Result from figure 8 shows that 90% of the health inspectors feel comfortable while 10% do not.
5. DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
5.1 Bio data of respondents
Results of the study revealed that, although females are more associated with waste generation males
are also more concerned about the consequences theses wastes will cause. As such, a substantial number of
male respondents participated in the study. Most of the respondents fall within the ages of 21-40
representing a youthful society. All the respondents had some level of education with majority of them
34.4% being SSS leavers, 32.2% JSS, 14.4% non-formal, 10.0% tertiary and 8.9% primary. All the
respondents belong to a religious affiliation. Majority of the respondents were without partners and were
from all walks of life.
5.2 Solid waste management practices both at the household and municipal level.
In the study it was noted that the respondents had a way of managing their solid waste with some of
them using the services of private contractors. This affirms to the study done by Nyachhyon (2006), that
public private partnership has been identified as efficient instrument to promote solid waste management.
Usually in the area of urban public services such as waste management, are promoted as a means to deliver
service through a contractual relationship with a private sector firm.
Twenty-three percent of the respondents dump elsewhere which is later used as manure for their
backyard farming. As stated by Nyang‟echi (1992) that when solid waste is left to lie and heap on the
ground, decomposition takes place and the nuisance of smell, flies and invasion of rodents occur. These
decomposed waste can be used as manure through composting for farming purpose. He therefore explains
that waste at the households and the municipal levels can be use be use various purposes such as fertilizers
through a process called composting when the waste is condensed. On the other hand, some out of the 23%
of the respondent dumped elsewhere without any intention of future use thus making the environment look
insanitary. This had been confirmed by Benneh et al. (1993 ) , when they observe that residential domestic
waste forms the bulk of all sources of solid waste produced in urban areas. These household waste are
known to have high densities with high moisture content and organic component of solid waste, which
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properly accounts for about 70% to 90% , while tins , cans and proper are probably responsible for about
5% to 10% of the total waste produced. They further argued that because of the capacity to handle all of
the household waste generated is still weak, about 83% of the population dump refuse in either authorized
sites in their neighborhood which creates unsanitary conditions.
Although 47% use dustbins with fitting covers which is recommended, those using baskets and others
however create the medium for diseases transmission. With the exception of the dustbins, none of the
containers had covers. A substantial percentage of the garbage is put into polythene bags. These waste
handling methods are likely contributory factor for poor sanitation in the area, because much of the refuse
is littered about before reaching the sanitary sites.
Generally, it was realized that greeter percentage of the respondents relied on sacks than other
storage methods. This might be because it was cheaper and perhaps could store more waste but lacks of
any covers have serious health implication. Most of the refuse is kept close to kitchens and rooms, which
may cause diseases like cholera and typhoid fever. The Municipal Assembly's subsiding the prices of
standard dustbins with fitting covers could help change this situation for the better.
5.3 The attitude and perception of people towards solid waste management.
Majority of the respondent think it is the responsibility of both the individual and the environment
health staffs. As such when there is a clean -up activities, they expect that the environment health staff
should provide logistics and food and sometimes money in order to give in their best. This confirms Nze
study in 1978 that although lack of logistics and financial management contribute to improper solid waste
management, people and perception should not be ruled out. The problem of solid waste management and
people's attitude and perception can be linked to levels of formal education. Improved teaching and
learning of issues on sanitation in all levels of education could help improve the general sanitation in the
communities.
This supports the suggestion of Agbola (1993) that perceptions and attitudes are learned response sets
and can therefore be modified or changed through education. Hence, continuous public education of
people of Nkwakaw many help improve the the sanitation in the Area . Education of households on
cleaning their surroundings was discussed. The causes of many nations' environmental problems could be
found by the way the imbedded behavioral patterns and acquired values are sueperimposed on the
environment. The imbedded behavioural patterns are cultural in origin , derived from the socializing
processes in families and communities (Agbola, 1993 ) . A large percentage of the respondent see the
essence of environmental health staff and their readiness to offer any assistance towards proper solid waste
management yet the respondents want to financially motivated as stated earlier on.
5.4 The kind of Incentives available for solid waste management workers.
Human are known to work better under certain favourable conditions or incentives.90% of the workers
feel comfortable in their area of work due to the fact those repondents who were ready to offer any form of
assistance to boost solid waste management live in their catchment area. The other 10% of the workers
happened to work with those respondents who do not see the relevance of them and for that not offer any
help. This problem was the reflection of data collected on the field. Another reason was inadequate
equipment and labour force to work with.Some of these workers are prone to diseases. This confirms a
study by Caincross et al .(1994) . They noted that epidemiological studies conducted on compost use in the
United States of America revealed that asperillugus fumigatus as nose and throat culture positive were
more common among compost workers. They however suggested that proper measure such as wearing of
boots , masks and gloves should be taken seriously I'm order to prevent the spores of secondary pathogens
especially through the turning of the compost piles.

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6. CONCLUSION
6.1 Solid Waste Management Practices both at the Household and the Municipal Levels
This study was conducted to find out problems with solid waste management at Nkawkaw. Findings
from this study revealed that, most of the respondents had ways of managing their solid waste. Although
not all the approaches were appropriate hence serving a threat to disease outbreaks. It was also realized
that a greater percentage of the respondents relied on sacks than other means of storage. This was due to
the cheap nature and could store more waste but lack any covers that could have health implications.
6.2 The Attitude and Perception of the People Towards Solid Waste Management
In addition, majority of the respondent think it is the responsibility of both the individual and the
environmental health staff to attend to sanitation issues. As such when there is some clean-up activities,
they expect that the environmental health staff should provide logistics and food and sometimes money in
order to give in their best.
It was realized that the problem of solid waste management and people‟s attitude and perception was
linked to levels of formal education which can be modified through continuous public education.
6.3 The Kind of Incentives Available for Solid Waste Management Workers
Humans are known to work better under certain favorable conditions or incentives. 90% of the
workers feel comfortable in their area of work due to the fact that those respondents who were ready to
offer any form of assistance to boost solid waste management live in their catchment area.
They however suggested that proper measures such as wearing of boots, masks and gloves should be
taken seriously in order to prevent the spores of secondary pathogens especially through the turning of the
compost piles.
7. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. The public should be educated by the environmental health officers on solid waste and its related issues.
Basically, hygiene practices should be taught especially on radios, televisions, in newspapers, and in
schools to educate people on proper ways of handling solid waste and keeping the surrounding clean.
2. stricter enforcement of byelaws should be ensured by the sanitation unit where administrative penalties
for minor violations should be taken with urgency.
3. the sanitation unit should make it a responsibility of introducing the use of standard bins with lid for
domestic and commercial use to the people of Nkawkaw.
4. people should develop proper attitudes and perception towards waste handling, which should be
achieved through both formal and informal education.
5. the government, donor countries, Nongovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and other stakeholders
should be encouraged to donate money and equipment to the sanitation unit to enable the unit acquire
effective and efficient personnel and equipment.
6. The community should adopt a self-help approach to solve the problem. Much can be achieved when the
various communities mobilize themselves and organize periodic clean up exercises and by contributing
financially to support the exercise, the residents can also act as watch dogs and make sure that they
themselves adhere to proper waste disposal practices.
7. The chiefs and other opinion leaders must be given additional roles to play in ensuring environmental
cleanliness. This can be done by authorizing the chiefs in each area or community to take up the
additional job of ensuring clean environmental practices with the youth playing an important role.
8. The women should be made to play an important role as it has been realized that women do a greater
part of solid waste handling and disposal in the community.
9. prioritize the issue of waste management.

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8. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Abrokwa, K., (1998). “Refuse Management Problems in Central Kumasi”: status report on population,
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Agbola, T., (1993). Environmental Education in Nigerian Schools” In Filho W.L (Ed) Environmental
Education in Commonwealth of Learning Vancouver.
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Bartone, C.R., (1995). “THE ROLE OF THE Private Sector in Waste Management in Developing
Countries.” Singapore.
Benneh, G., Songsore, J., Nabila S.T., Amuzu A.J., Tutu K.A., Yaugyourn (1993).
“Environmental Problems and Urban Household in Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Ghana.” M.A.C
Stockhelm, Ghana.
Caincross, C., and Freachen R., (1993). “Environmental Health Engineering in the Tropics.” (2ND Edition).
Chichester: John Wiley and Sons Ltd.
Cointreau, S., (1982). “Environmental Management of Urban Solid Wastes in Developing Countries: A
project Guide. Washington, DC: Urban Development Department, World Bank.”
Goulay, K.A., (1992). “World of Waste, Dilemmas of industrial Development, Zed books Limited
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Headley, J., (1998). “An overview of Solid Waste Management in Barbados”. Inn solid Waste
Management: Critical Issues for developing Countries, edited by Elizabeth Thomas- Hope, Kingston:
Canoe Press.
Kendie, S., (1992). “Do Attitudes Matter? Waste Disposal and Wetland Degradation in the Capecoast
Municipality of Ghana.” Development and Project Planning Center, University of Bradford
Discussion Paper no.21 Bradford.
Kwawe B., (1995). “ Cultures of Waste Handling; Experience of a Rural Community.” Journal of Asian
and African studies. Volume XXX, number 1-2.
Landy, Marck, Marc J. Roberts; and Stephen R. Thomas. (1990). “The Environmental Protection Agency;
Asking the Wrong Questions.” New York; Oxford University Press.
Mbande, C., (1996). “Some Problems of Waste Management in Developing Countries.”
McCarthy, Jmes and MarkPeisch.(1987). “Harzadous Waste Fact Book.”Environmental ad Natural
Resources Policy Division, Congress and Resource Service, ENR.
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Abfall Borse Stock Exchange for Industrial Waste” Geoth Institute, Ghana.
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Nyang‟echi, N., (1992). Management of Solid and Liquid Waste.
Nze, F.C., (1978) “Managing Urban Waste in Nigeria for social and Economic Development” Journal of
Management Studies, Lagos Vol. 5, Nigeria.
Onibakun A., and Kumuyi J., (1999) “Governance and Waste Management “is Africa in Adepoju G.
Onibokun (Ed), “Managing the Moster” Urban Waste Management and Governance in Africa.
International Development Research Center, Canada.
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Technology Publications, Nigeria.
Schubeler, P. (1996.) “Conceptual Framework for Municipal Solid Waste Management in Low Income
Countries”. United Nations Development Program Working Paper Series no.9 St. Gallen,
Switzerland: SKAT.
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Senkoro, H., (2003). “Solid Waste Management In Africa”. AWHO/AFRO Perspective Paper 1.
Shekdar, A., (2009). “Sustainable Solid Waste Management: an integrated approach for Asian Countries”.
Simmens, R., (1981). “Refuse Management in Kumasi”. Land Administration Research Centre Kwame
Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.
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Training Manual, Vol.2: Assessment of Current Waste Management Systems and Graps Therein”.
Osaka/Shiga Japan.
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Williams, R., (1993) “Hazardous and Industrial Waste Compositing. In: Science and Engineering of
Compositing.” Renaissance Press, Worthington, OH.
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Article in Journal of Community Health Nursing · April 2021

Atianashie Miracle A. Chukwuma Chinaza Adaobi

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The Problem of Solid Waste

Keywords: 3 Solid Waste, Attitude and Perception, West Municipal, Hazard.

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1.2 STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

1.3 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY

1.4 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

1.5 RESEARCH QUESTION

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

1.7 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

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Table 1: Top ten disease in the municipal

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Table 3: Toilet Facilities

3.2 Types of Study / Study Design

3.3 Data Collection Techniques (s) Tool (s)

3.4 Study Population

3.5 Sampling Techniques

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3.6 Sample Size

3.7 Data Analysis

3.8 Limitation(s) of the Study

3.9 Ethical Considerations

4.1. Bio data respondents

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Table 6: Distribution of Respondents Residence / Community

Table 7: Educational Background of Respondents

Table 8. Religion of Respondents

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FIGURE 1: SHOWING RESPONDENTS’ MEANS OF DISPOSING REFUSE.

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FIGURE 2: Showing Respondents’ Type of Storage Facility

FIGURE 3: SHOWING HOW RESPONDENTS TREAT THEIR REFUSE

FIGURE 4: SHOWING PROBLEM RTESULTING FROM THE MODE OF SOLID WASTE

FIGURE 5: RESPONDENTS SOLUTIONS TO THE TO THE PROBLEMS OF SOLID WASTE

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FIGURE 6. RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON WHOSE RESPONSIBILITIES IS TO CLEAN

FIGURE 7: RESPONDENTS KNOWLEDGE ON WHETHER WASTE MANAGEMENT

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FIGURE 8: RESPONDENTS’ KNOWLEGDE ON WHETHER THEY WILL OFFER ANY

FIGURE 9: SHOWING RESPONDENTS’ RECOMMENDATION FOR PROPER

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The kind of incentives available for solid waste management workers.

Table 10: Available equipment and its optimum number

Table 11: Available labour force and its optimum number

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FIGURE 10: SHOWING WHETHER RESPONDENTS FEEL COMFORTABLE IN WHERE

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