Assessing the Sustainability of Public-Private Partnership in Solid Waste Management in Ghana

Abstract

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are widely touted to offer improved accountability, greater innovation and long-term efficiencies. However, to achieve the anticipated benefits of PPP, it is necessary to recognise the circumstances under which PPPs will be sustainable through effective implementation. This study assessed the sustainability of PPP in solid waste management (SWM) in Cape Coast Metropolitan Area (CCMA) and Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolitan Area (STMA) in Ghana. The mixed-methods research design guided the data collection methods, analysis and interpretation of the study. A total of 812 respondents were sampled through purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The study used interview, focus group discussion and observation guides, and interview schedule as instruments for gathering data. The quantitative data were processed with Statistical Product for Service Solutions version 21, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Narrative analysis was used to analyse the qualitative study. The study found that the block system in the allocation of operational competition among the service providers. All the stakeholders admitted that the sanitation conditions had improved after the adoption of PPP, and thus, were willing to sustain the partnership. However, high SWM service charges, and low level of participation and transparency in fixing sanitation fees were seen as serious threats to the sustainability of the partnership. The study recommends that the Assemblies should allow for open competition among the WMCs, and CCMA Fee Fixing Resolution Committee should review SWM service charges to protect the socio-economic welfare of the citizens.