The Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research (ISSER) at the University of Ghana has organized a programme focusing on the economic benefits of investing adequately in waste management and sanitation in Ghana.
Speaking on behalf of Parliament’s Sanitation and Water Resources Committee on Thursday, 26th February 2026 at Alisa Hotel North Ridge, Accra, the Member of Parliament for Salaga South Constituency, Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah, delivered a presentation on the topic “An Economic Analysis of the Benefits of Adequate Investment in Waste Management and Sanitation in Ghana.”
Hon. Ibrahimiah emphasized that waste management requires a multi-sectoral approach and cannot be handled by a single ministry or local government authority alone. According to her, effective policy planning and economic analysis depend heavily on reliable and up-to-date data. She stressed that the fidelity and accuracy of existing data must be assured to guide proper decision-making. Drawing a comparison with Rwanda, she noted that every household there is captured within a national data system, and households pay directly through Mobile Money to waste management service providers. This, she explained, ensures that no household is left out of the system.
In contrast, she pointed out that one of Ghana’s major challenges in waste management is inadequate data. “We often rely on estimates because we do not have accurate records of the total number of households in the country,” she stated.
Hon. Zuwera Mohammed Ibrahimiah further explained that establishing a comprehensive household database and ensuring that households pay directly for waste disposal services would significantly improve sanitation financing. She noted that such payments could be channeled into a dedicated fund to support government waste management initiatives and ensure sustainable service delivery.
She added that the government, together with the Sanitation and Water Resources Committee, has been advocating for the restoration of the sanitation levy.
According to her, Parliament will continue to push for the establishment of a structured sanitation fund to strengthen waste management systems across the country.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Emmanuel Anyigba
