Economist and Research Fellow at the Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER), Dr. Kwame Adjei-Mantey, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana's waste management governance framework, arguing that institutional reforms are essential to addressing Accra's persistent flooding.
Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show on Tuesday, June 30, Dr. Adjei-Mantey said improving drainage infrastructure alone would not eliminate the recurring floods unless the country also addresses long-standing weaknesses in waste management.
According to him, Ghana's current waste management system is burdened by structural and governance deficiencies that continue to undermine efforts to keep drains and waterways free of refuse, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Governance Gaps Fuel Flooding
Dr. Adjei-Mantey observed that the institutional framework governing waste management requires significant restructuring to improve coordination and accountability among agencies responsible for sanitation.
"Currently, there is a governance structure around waste management that needs an overhaul or an improvement," he said.
He explained that overlapping institutional responsibilities have created inefficiencies, while the absence of a dedicated regulator has left critical gaps in oversight.
"There are currently overlapping responsibilities and if you are looking at the structure of waste management, we don't have a regulator in the space and that is some gap that some restructuring could deal with," he stated.
The economist stressed that establishing a stronger regulatory framework would improve coordination, strengthen accountability and enhance the delivery of sanitation services across the country.
Uneven Waste Collection a Major Concern
Beyond governance challenges, Dr. Adjei-Mantey expressed concern over the inconsistency of waste collection services nationwide, describing the current system as inequitable.
He noted that while some communities benefit from regular waste collection, others receive limited or no service, forcing residents to dispose of refuse indiscriminately. Such practices often result in drains and waterways becoming clogged, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains.
"We have seen that waste collection across the nation is largely inconsistent and it is not equitable," he said.
His comments come in the wake of the latest flooding in Accra, which claimed lives, displaced residents and caused widespread destruction to homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
Dr. Adjei-Mantey maintained that while investments in drainage infrastructure remain necessary, sustainable flood prevention will require comprehensive reforms to Ghana's waste management governance, improved institutional coordination and more efficient sanitation services capable of reducing the accumulation of waste in drains and waterways.
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