Assessing the Effects of Indiscriminate Disposal of Waste: A Case Study of the Keta Lagoon in the Volta Region of Ghana

Abstract

Over the years, the issue of waste generation and management have been a major issue of concern, stemming a number of countries around the world, thus, developing countries. The ultimate aim of this study was to investigate into the effects of indiscriminate disposal of waste in and around the Keta Lagoon in the Volta region of Ghana. The study highlighted quite a number of respondents, who had lived in the area for quite a lengthy period and had observed the changes with regards to rapid deteriorating conditions of sanitation in the area as well as the aesthetic nature of the lagoon per the value it served decades ago and now. It is for these reasons why the study sought to look at what had contributed to the diminishing state of the Keta Lagoon, which is a designated Ramsar site (Ramsar Convention, 1971), hence, its importance to Ghana as a nation. The absence of waste management services, ignorance and lack of law enforcement units were identified as key factors, playing a fundamental role to indiscriminate dumping of refuse in and around the Keta Lagoon. Based on key findings, recommendations on sensitising or educating the inhabitants as well as the general public on sanitation in basic schools would create some level of awareness. Strengthening and equipping the Municipal Assembly in the area by the government would help ensure frequent monitoring and regulate waste management in the area.

Fisherfolk’s Perception of and Attitude to Solid Waste Disposal: Implications for Health, Aquatic Resources, and Sustainable Development

“…The quote is consistent with Ahmed and Isaac's [ 5 ] finding that some of the consequences of improper waste disposal in and around the Keta Lagoon in Ghana were water and air pollution, floods, and health issues. It is clear from the pieces of evidence that all categories of respondents were aware that poor waste disposal practices had negative implications for public and environmental health.…”

“…The finding that improper waste disposal practices could impede navigation corroborated that of Ahmed and Isaac [ 5 ]. According to Ahmed and Isaac, fisherfolk in the Keta community in Ghana reported that waste in the Keta Lagoon was creating navigational challenges for the fishermen.…”

“…While many studies have been done in the area of solid waste management practices in Ghana, a limited number of them have been directed at coastal fisherfolk's workplace environment. The limited studies have paid little attention to the perception and attitude regarding waste disposal, although extant theoretical literature [ 5 , 6 ] indicates that these are key factors in safeguarding public health, aquatic resources, and livelihoods, especially in the coastal poor communities.…”

“…Waste can be hazardous or nonhazardous depending on its location and toxic concentration; therefore, it needs to be properly disposed of or managed. Waste can be disposed of in many ways, including burying, recycling, incineration (burning), composting landfill, and indiscriminate dumping such as dumping it on the street and into the water bodies [ 5 ]. UNEP [ 7 ] expresses concern about waste abandoned in the marine and coastal environment.…”

“…e limited studies have paid little attention to the perception and attitude regarding waste disposal, although extant theoretical literature [5,6] indicates that these are key factors in safeguarding public health, aquatic resources, and livelihoods, especially in the coastal poor communities.…”