PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS, ATTITUDES AND CHALLENGES TOWARDS SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN GHANA: THE CASE OF MAMOBI COMMUNITY

ABSTRACT The study examined factors affecting solid waste management in Mamobi community. Specifically, it sought to: (i) identify perceptions and attitudes of people and institutions towards waste management; (ii) ascertain the types of waste management practices the people engaged in; (iii) examine the challenges confronting the people and institutions on waste management in the community; and (iv) recommend policy interventions to address the sanitation situation. The study dwelled on the theory of reasoned action and the theory of planned behaviour as espoused by Martin Fishbein and Icek Ajzen. The theory of reasoned action is a model for the prediction of behavioural intention that covers predictions of attitude and predictions of behaviour and the theory of planned behaviour which is a theory that predicts deliberate behaviour since behaviour can be deliberative and planned. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed. Through a combined survey approach, 200 household heads were purposively selected and interviewed using structured questionnaires. Interviews were organised for the waste management company, waste management department and the two assembly men of the community. Focus group discussion was also organised on a selected number of people and analysis was done using SPSS as well as thematic analysis. The study uncovered that little or no respect is accorded the management of waste as well as waste workers. Again, there is total disregard for the by-laws and regulations. It is also a common attitude and practice to see waste dumped in gutters and gullies near peoples’ houses and unoccupied lands. Irresponsible behaviour of the people and lack of appropriate disposal sites are great challenges faced. On the basis of the findings, these recommendations are made; (i) sanctioning waste collection companies who do not perform their duties on time (ii) considering recycling as the best alternative for waste disposal; and (iii) educating to change peoples’ attitudes and perceptions as well as vigorously enforcing existing laws and regulations.