Hon. Ayariga calls for major overhaul of Ghana’s waste management system

Hon. Mahama Ayariga, the newly appointed Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, has called for significant changes to Ghana's waste management system. During a tour of waste management facilities in the Greater Accra Region, including compost and recycling plants, transfer stations, and a landfill site, the Minister identified numerous gaps in the current system.

These gaps include poor waste separation at the household level, suboptimal transportation of waste, and inefficient treatment and final disposal methods.

Ayariga emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the entire waste management chain, from collection and transportation to treatment and recycling. He noted that while the necessary technology and infrastructure exist, the primary challenge lies in proper organization. The Minister emphasized the importance of introducing waste separation systems from the household level, as well as the strategic placement of transfer stations and treatment centers closer to communities.

Furthermore, Ayariga called for improved waste management practices, including the application of the polluter-pays principle. Under this principle, individuals and properties that generate waste should contribute fairly to its management. He assured residents that the government is committed to making the system more efficient and reducing the cost of waste collection for households, potentially cutting costs by up to 50 percent through improved organization.