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Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Abdul-Wahab Tahiru

    (Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana)

  • Samuel Jerry Cobbina

    (Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana
    West African Centre for Water, Irrigation and Sustainable Agriculture (WACWISA) Tamale, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala P.O. Box TL 1882, Ghana)

  • Wilhemina Asare

    (Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana)

  • Silas Uwumborge Takal

    (Department of Environment and Sustainability Sciences, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, University for Development Studies, Tamale P.O. Box TL 1350, Ghana)

Abstract

Ghana is currently facing a waste crisis that presents considerable risks to its environment, economy, and public health. This investigation evaluates four prospective waste-to-energy options—namely, incineration, anaerobic digestion, gasification, and landfill gas—with the objective of mapping out a sustainable strategy for efficient waste management. Among these solutions, anaerobic digestion stands out as a superior option, offering renewable energy production, valuable bio-product creation, and a comparatively lower greenhouse gas emission effect. A cost analysis further reveals that utilizing biogas from anaerobic digestion is not only environmentally friendly but also economically more viable than relying on light crude oil. Producing 200 MW of energy using biogas costs 36% less, potentially resulting in monthly savings of USD 5.46 million for Ghana. However, several obstacles impede the development of WtE. Inaccurate waste data and a lack of clear policies on waste-to-energy hinder the harnessing of Ghana’s WtE potential. To address this, the study recommends (1) implementing a well-defined national strategy complete with regulations and incentives to attract investments and (2) conducting specialized research to optimize WtE technologies for Ghana’s unique waste composition and context. By surmounting these challenges, Ghana stands poised to secure a sustainable future, simultaneously meeting the targets of Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 11. This entails ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all (SDG 7) and fostering inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and human settlements (SDG 11).

Suggested Citation

  • Abdul-Wahab Tahiru & Samuel Jerry Cobbina & Wilhemina Asare & Silas Uwumborge Takal, 2024. "Unlocking Energy from Waste: A Comprehensive Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Potential in Ghana," World, MDPI, vol. 5(2), pages 1-27, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jworld:v:5:y:2024:i:2:p:11-218:d:1368438
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    Cited by:

    1. Abdul-Wahab Tahiru & Samuel Jerry Cobbina & Wilhemina Asare, 2024. "A Circular Economy Approach to Addressing Waste Management Challenges in Tamale’s Waste Management System," World, MDPI, vol. 5(3), pages 1-24, August.
    2. Marian Kusi-Appiah & Richard J. Murphy & Lirong Liu, 2025. "An Analysis of Municipal Solid Waste Management in Ghana: A Scoping Review of Challenges, Opportunities, and Technology Options," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-26, September.

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