Experts from the University of Ghana’s Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) are calling on government to redefine waste management as an engine for economic growth, rather than treating it solely as a public health challenge.
In a new policy paper titled “The High Cost of Improper Waste Management and Poor Sanitation on Ghana’s Economy,” the ISSER team argues that effective sanitation systems could generate billions in economic value, create new employment opportunities, and improve environmental outcomes.
According to the report, every US$1 invested in sanitation could yield up to US$5.50 in economic returns, based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO). The researchers estimate that if Ghana were to dedicate just 1% of its GDP — approximately US$883 million — to sanitation and waste management, the country could generate as much as US$4.86 billion in overall economic benefits.
“Proper waste management is not just about keeping our cities clean,” the report notes. “It’s about protecting lives, saving money, and creating a healthier, more productive economy.”
The study points to global examples where investment in waste recycling, composting, and renewable energy recovery has spurred local industries and contributed to the shift toward a circular economy. The global waste management sector, currently valued at US$1.4 trillion (2024), is projected to reach US$2.4 trillion by 2033, signaling major potential for developing economies like Ghana to participate in the emerging green economy.
Beyond economic impact, the researchers emphasize the public health benefits of strong sanitation systems. They cite Ghana’s October 2024 cholera outbreak as a costly reminder of what happens when sanitation infrastructure fails. Such emergencies, they explain, force government to divert funds from productive investments toward crisis response, while lost workdays and medical expenses further weaken household and national finances.
ISSER also warns that Ghana’s current sanitation funding model is unsustainable. Despite the collection of over GHS 500 million annually through the Sanitation and Pollution Levy, less than 5% of that amount is reinvested directly into sanitation initiatives.
To address this, the authors urge the government to demonstrate “strong political will” by ring-fencing a larger portion of sanitation revenue for infrastructure and innovation. They further advocate for private sector participation and the adoption of modern recycling technologies to bridge funding gaps and enhance operational efficiency.
“Cleaner cities attract investors, tourists, and jobs,” the report concludes. “Waste can be turned into wealth — if managed properly.”
The ISSER researchers — Prof. Peter Quartey, Prof. Ebo Turkson, Prof. Yaa Adobea Owusu, Dr. Kwame Adjei-Mantey, and Dr. Ralph Armah — emphasize that sanitation reform is one of Ghana’s most viable pathways to achieving sustainable growth, public health resilience, and environmental security.
“Investing in waste management is not a cost,” they assert, “it’s an opportunity for Ghana to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient future.”
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