Ghana - 3 Logistics Services
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Overview:
Ghana is a country of 31 million people with a fast-growing, young, globally and digitally connected population. Beyond its traditional industries of agriculture, mining - and more recently, oil and gas production – Ghana’s digital, financial services, construction, education, and franchising sectors are growing fast.
Ghana’s developing healthcare system, tourism sector, roads, rail, shipping, and port infrastructure offer opportunities for U.S. companies. Ghana’s Atlantic ports and daily direct flights from the United States make it an excellent platform for doing business in Africa. As the host to the new African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Ghana is at the heart of Africa’s transformative regional integration.
There are several business hotels in Accra. Restaurants offering Ghanaian cuisine as well as food from around the world are plentiful. Taxis are available at the airport and other ridesharing services (Uber, Bolt, Yango) are well established in the market. Money can be exchanged for Ghanaian Cedis at Kotoka International Airport or at hotels and at some banks. ATMs accepting international bank cards are plentiful in Ghana’s city centres. Kumasi offers a few hotels that meet international business standards; other locations offer several budgets to mid-priced hotels.
Ghana enjoys a vibrant media, with more than 350 radio stations, 120 television operators, and 250 newspaper and magazine publications. Many media outlets have a website and social media presence.
Economy
Although Ghana’s economy expanded at an average of seven percent per year from 2017 to 2019, growth slowed to 0.5 percent in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. While growth increased to 5.4 percent in 2021, high government debt and the failure to adequately pursue fiscal consolidation of government finances closed international capital markets to Ghana. Combined with global dynamics, this fuelled a steep currency depreciation and inflation that reached over 50 percent in 2022. In response to the economic crisis, the government concluded a staff level agreement with the IMF for a $3 billion, 3-year Extended Credit Facility, which was approved by the IMF board in May 2023. With its debt levels determined to be unsustainable, the Government of Ghana announced a standstill on external debt payments in December and embarked on a domestic debt exchange to restructure outstanding domestic bonds. Given the current economic climate, growth in 2023 is expected to slow to 1.5 percent from 3.2 percent in 2022, according to the IMF.
The main sub-sectors that expanded in 2022 (year-on-year) were Gold Mining (32%); Information & Communication (20%); Education (10%); Health & Social Works (9%); Fishing (9%); Public Administration & Defense, Social Security (6%); Financial and Insurance Activities (6%); Livestock (6%); and Transport and Storage (5%). The economy remains highly dependent on the export of primary commodities such as gold, cocoa, and oil, and is vulnerable to slowdowns in the global economy and commodity price shocks. Other challenges to Ghana’s economy include access to foreign capital at an affordable rate, low internally generated government revenue, and inefficient state-owned enterprises. Private consumption (69.6% of GDP in 2021) has been dampened by the current economic dynamics.
The domestic currency, the cedi, depreciated by 30 percent against the U.S. dollar in 2022. Interest rates in Ghana continue to be high mainly because of the monetary policy of the Central Bank, including its attempts to curb inflation, as well as borrowers’ high default rate. The monetary policy rate, which serves as the basis for most commercial banks determining their interest rate, is at 29.5 percent as of May 2023.
The top countries supplying Ghana’s merchandise imports in 2022 (the last year in which full international data is available) included: China (18%, a decline from 23% in 2021); Togo (11%, likely reflecting a new pattern of transhipment to Ghana from Togo’s port of Lomé); the United States (8%); India (6%); the Netherlands (6%), Belgium (5%); the United Kingdom (3%).
Ghana’s exports also included cocoa bean, paste and butter, apparel, rubber, and cassava. Ghana’s top global exports include cocoa, gold, and oil. Ghana’s top global export markets include Switzerland (27%), India (15%), South Africa (12%), United States (6%), Germany (6%), China (5%) and Burkina Faso 4%).
Further, Ghana’s services imports and exports have grown exponentially in recent years. Ghana’s growth in imports of services has been one of the fastest in Sub Saharan Africa. Ghana imported $12 billion in all types of services from the world in 2020 and exported approximately $9 billion in the same year. This growth is led by imports of business services, a category that includes computer and related services, as well as architectural/engineering, legal, accountancy and advertising services. Inward travel/tourism as well as freight services are other growth areas.
These have given Ghana one of the highest GDPs per capita in Africa.
Trade: https://atlas.media.mit.edu/en/
https://oec.world/en/profile/country/gha
Workforce: https://data.un.org/CountryProfile.aspx
Consumer Price Index of Country: http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL
Inflation Rates: http://www.tradingeconomics.com/country-list/inflation-rate
http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FP.WPI.TOTL
Ghana - 3.1 Fuel
Fuel
The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) was incorporated in December 1993 as a private limited liability company under the Companies Act,1963 (Act 179) with the Government of Ghana as the sole shareholder. BOST has the mandate:
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To develop a network of storage tanks, pipelines and other bulk transportation infrastructure throughout the country.
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To rent or lease out part of the storage facilities to enable it to generate income.
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To keep Strategic Reserve Stocks for Ghana.
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To own, manage and develop a national network of oil pipelines and storage depots.
To manage the “Zonalization” policy of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and to develop the Natural Gas Infrastructure throughout the country.
In this regard, BOST is responsible for building strategic reserve stocks to meet a minimum of six (6) weeks of national consumption in the short and medium term and to increase stock level to twelve (12) weeks in the long term.
To adequately fulfil its mandate, BOST has developed a network of storage and pipeline infrastructure throughout the country. The Company currently has six (6) Depots nationwide. These are in the Accra Plains, Mami Water, Akosombo, Kumasi, Buipe and Bolgatanga. Pipelines link the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) to the Accra Plains Depot which in turn is linked to the Mami Water Depot and ends at the Akosombo Depot.
Another pipeline links the Buipe Depot to the Bolgatanga Depot. For petroleum products to reach the northern parts of the country, it is conveyed by pipeline from the Tema Oil Refinery through the Accra Plains Depot and Mami Water to Akosombo where it is loaded onto River Barges to Buipe. It is then conveyed to Bolgatanga by 261km- 8-inch pipeline.
The Depot in Kumasi receives products by Bulk Road Vehicles (BRVs) from the Accra Plains Depot. BOST has built four barges to convey petroleum products from Akosombo to Buipe for onward transmission to Bolgatanga. However, the Bolgatanga Depot was recently recommissioned after several years of inactivity thus making it necessary for Buipe to feed Bolgatanga by pipeline.
BOST also has an 8-inch multi-product pipeline linking the Trafigura Conventional Check Buoy Mooring to the Accra Plains Depot. The Company currently has a total storage capacity of 310,000 mt, 415,000 m3 cubic meters distributed across the country as follows:
|
DEPOT |
LOCATION |
CAPACITY (CUBIC METRES) |
|---|---|---|
|
ACCRA PLAINS |
GREATER-ACCRA |
215,000 |
|
KUMASI |
ASHANTI REGION |
87,000 |
|
BUIPE |
NORTHERN REGION |
50,000 |
|
BOLGA |
UPPER EAST |
46,500 |
|
AKOSOMBO |
EASTERN REGION |
12,000 |
|
MAMI WATER |
VOLTA REGION |
17,000 |
The fuel retail market in Ghana is massively diverse. There are 112 different brands operating in the market — and 232 new sites currently under construction are soon to be brought into the mix.
Kalibrate’s latest market study of all fuel retail outlets in Ghana has revealed that of the 112 brands, only five have more than 2% outlet share. With no particular brands dominating in the region, there is a huge opportunity for a brand with the right strategy to become a leader in the market.
With 232 new sites under construction across the country, other brands are expanding their networks. Competitors are growing. 85% of Ghana’s 3,499 gas stations are located in the south of the country.
For more information on government and fuel provider contact details, please see the following links: 4.1 Government Contact List and 4.7 Fuel Providers Contact List.
Fuel Pricing
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) was established by an act of Parliament (NPA Act 2005, ACT 691) to regulate the petroleum downstream industry in Ghana. As a Regulator, the Authority ensures that the industry remains efficient, profitable, fair and ensures that consumers receive value for money. It currently boasts of over 5,000 service providers and an annual sale of about US$ 3.92 billion, according to 2020 estimates, which is about 6% of the country’s GDP.
Since the establishment of the NPA in 2005, the Authority has supervised the acceleration of the petroleum downstream deregulation process, by facilitating the removal of restrictions. In June 2015 the Authority successfully implemented the price liberalization, which involved full decontrol of prices of petroleum products from the Government. Private importers, distributors and retailers are empowered to set ex-refinery and ex-pump prices with no intervention from the Government.
|
Fuel Prices as of: 28.02.2024 (local currency and US$) |
|
|---|---|
|
Petrol (per litre) |
12.99 GHS / 1.036 US$ |
|
Diesel (per litre) |
13.99 GHS / 1.116 US$ |
|
Kerosene (per litre) |
1.18 GHS / 0.094 US$ |
|
Jet A1 (per litre) |
6.353 Cedis / 0.50 US$ |
Seasonal Variations
There are no seasonal variations affecting the availability of fuel in the country.
|
Seasonal Variations |
|
|---|---|
|
Are there national priorities in the availability of fuel? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Is there a rationing system? (Yes / No) |
No |
|
Is fuel to lower income/vulnerable groups subsidized? (Yes / No) |
No |
|
Can the local industry expand fuel supply to meet humanitarian needs? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Is it possible for a humanitarian organization to contract directly a reputable supplier/distributor to provide its fuel needs? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
Fuel Transportation
There are no constraints regarding the transportation of fuel. The current capacity can meet the local needs as well as any increases in demand from the humanitarian community.
Standards, Quality and Testing
The Quality Assurance Department is responsible for the quality of refined petroleum products. It was established to monitor the quality of products along the supply chain. The QAD has put in place measures to ensure that all petroleum products supplied in the country meet the National Standards/Specifications on quality.
A central laboratory has been set up to facilitate the testing of all petroleum products meant for the local market to ensure their good quality. The laboratory, located on the premises of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) at Okponglo in Accra, ensures that all petroleum products to be sold locally are of good and acceptable quality to promote safety. The set-up is a collaboration between the GSA and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) in support of the implementation of the petroleum products marketing scheme instituted in 2014.
|
Industry Control Measures |
|
|---|---|
|
Tanks with adequate protection against water mixing with the fuel. (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Filters in the system, monitors where fuel is loaded into aircraft. (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Adequate epoxy coating of tanks on trucks (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Presence of suitable firefighting equipment (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Standards Authority |
|
|
Is there a national or regional standards authority? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
If yes, are the standards adequate/properly enforced? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Testing Laboratories |
|
|
Are there national testing laboratories? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Fuel Quality Testing Laboratory – Ghana Standards Authority |
|
|
Name |
Ghana Standards Authority, Petroleum Laboratory Email: info@gsa,gov.gh / nep@gsa.gov.gh |
|
Address |
P.O. Box MB 245 Accra - Ghana |
|
Telephone and Fax |
|
|
Contact |
Pr. Alex Dodoo, Director General |
|
Standards Used |
|
|
GS 140 2013 [Specification for Petrol (Gasoline)] GS 141 2013 [Specification for Diesel (Gasoil)] GS 142 2009 [Specification for Kerosene] |
|
Ghana - 3.2 Transporters
Transporters
Road transport is the predominant mode of transport in Ghana, accounting for 94% of freight and 97% of passenger traffic movements. The public transportation is dominated by the private sector, which is competitive with no restriction to entry. Majority of operators are grouped into unions, the biggest being the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU). Several rural areas are solely dependent on privately-owned and privately run transportation.
A significant proportion of private individual operators, with fleet sizes between four and ten characterise the freight sector. These firms lack proper administrative and management structures and have little or no records on their operations. Most of the operators in this category are unable to purchase new vehicles, so their fleet composition is weighted towards older models. These operators depend on the services of private wayside garages. The other category of operators is the well-established freight companies. There are local owned firms, joint local/foreign owned companies, and foreign owned companies. All these operators run their companies along proper business lines and keep good records on their operations. Some of these operators, especially the international freight companies.
Besides GPRTU, there is Ghana Haulage Truck Drivers Association [GHTDA] which started operations in September 1993. GHTDA is aimed primarily at protecting drivers legally, improve driver working conditions and their relationship with the vehicle owners. GHTDA has local and regional branches across the country. The Association does not have its own trucks but operates trucks owned by its members.
One of the main challenges for the trucking industry is Ghana’s strict adherence to a 60-tons limit for transit cargo is pushing haulage companies into neighbouring countries like Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, where they can load up to 68 tonnes. The situation has arisen out of the lack of a uniform load limit for truckers in the ECOWAS sub-region.
For more information on transport company contact details, please see the following link: 4.8 Transporter Contact List.
Ghana - 3.3 Manual Labor Costs
The Labour Act 651 of 2003 regulates employment and labour issues in Ghana. This Act consolidates all laws relating to labour, employers, trade unions and industrial relations. In the Labour Act 651, every worker is entitled to be paid his or her remuneration for public holidays. When a worker in an undertaking works after the hours of work fixed by the rules of that undertaking, the additional hours done shall be regarded as overtime work. Notwithstanding, a worker may be required to work beyond the fixed hours of work without additional pay in certain exceptional circumstances including accident threatening human lives or the very existence of the undertaking. In any undertaking every worker is entitled to not less than fifteen working days leave with full pay in any calendar year of continuous service. Monthly minimum wage figures are calculated as daily minimum wage × 27 days. The minimum wage per day is 7 GH Cedi (US $1.87).
|
Type of Labour |
Local Currency |
USD |
Year / Month USD |
|
Daily general worker (semi-skilled) |
20 Cedis |
5.18 |
1,678 / 139 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Daily general worker (unskilled casual worker) |
15 Cedis |
3.89 |
1,260 / 105 |
|
Skilled labour |
30 Cedis |
7.77 |
2,517 / 209 |
Ghana - 3.4 Telecommunications
Telecommunications
Telecommunication often refers to the transmission of signals over distances for the purposes of communication. The telecommunication services industry in Ghana is built around the main telecommunication service providers who provide the market with communication services in the form of data and voice. All services in the industry are highly dependent and driven by technology, hence it is prone to constant changes in line with technological advancements.
The telecoms sector accounted for about 18.4% of Ghana’s GDP as at third quarter of 2022 compared to 22.8% same period in 2021. As at end 2021 sector witnessed a growth of 4.6%.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has licensed:
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Four service providers to provide mobile telecoms services in Ghana:, MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo and Glo.
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Three fixed network operators (MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo)
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Five (5) Broadband Wireless Access operators, namely BLU Telecommunications,
Broadband Home (BBH), Busy Internet, Surfline and Telesol.
Note: This report will focus mainly on Surfline and Telesol due to non-submission of data from BBH, Busy and BLU Telecommunications.
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One hundred sixty-two (162) Television stations (operational 123),
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Seven hundred fourteen (714) Radio stations (operational 517).
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Four Internet providers, MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo and Surfline.
The Mobile service providers ,are namely AirtelTigo, Glo, MTN and Vodafone. This report focusses mainly on MTN, Vodafone and AirtelTigo due to non-submission of data from Glo. This section provides details on the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Ghana by looking at the Mobile Voice Subscriptions.
According to market data published by the National Communications Authority (NCA), the country had 40.31million mobile subscriptions at the end of 2022. The mobile voice subscription penetration rate for same period was 127.11% from 129.14 in September 2022. Mobile voice subscription has since dropped to 38.41 million as at March 2023 as a result of the SIM reregistration.
Here below the major mobile operators in Ghana, their services, market share, and the regulatory environment: source
|
# |
Name |
Mobile users |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
MTN |
25.62 mln (66.72 %) |
|
2 |
Vodafone |
7.08 mln (18.43 %) |
|
3 |
AirtelTigo |
5.7 mln (14.85%) |
MTN Ghana:
First mobile carrier in Ghana with over 25.62 million users. Ownership: MTN Ghana is a subsidiary of the MTN Group, a South African multinational telecommunications company. MTN is one of the largest mobile operators in Ghana.
Services: MTN Ghana offers a comprehensive range of mobile services, including voice, data, and high-speed 4G and 5G data services. They also provide mobile money services under the brand name "MTN Mobile Money."
Vodafone Ghana:
Second mobile carrier in Ghana with 7.08 million users. Ownership: Vodafone Ghana is part of the Vodafone Group, a global telecommunications conglomerate headquartered in the United Kingdom.
Services: Vodafone Ghana provides mobile voice and data services, as well as broadband internet and fixed-line services. They also offer mobile money services through "Vodafone Cash."
AirtelTigo:
Third mobile carrier in Ghana, with 5.7 million users. Ownership: AirtelTigo is the result of a merger between Bharti Airtel (a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, an Indian multinational telecommunications company) and Millicom International Cellular. It's one of the prominent mobile operators in Ghana.
Services: AirtelTigo provides mobile voice and data services, as well as mobile money services under "AirtelTigo Money." They have been investing in expanding their network infrastructure.
Other Operators and MVNOs:
In addition to the major operators, Ghana has several smaller operators and Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) that cater to specific customer segments or offer niche services. These operators often rely on agreements with the major mobile operators for network access.
Fixed Network
This section analyses the fixed telephone industry in Ghana. Three (3) operators namely Vodafone, AirtelTigo and MTN have been licensed by the NCA to provide this service.
Fixed Voice Subscriptions and Penetration Rate
Total number of fixed line subscriptions increased from 330,016 in Q4 2022 to 333,057 at the end of Q1 2023. This shows a penetration rate of 1.04% and a 0.92% growth rate. Year-on-year subscription increased from 320,460 in Q1 2022 to 333,057 at the end of Q1 2023, representing a growth rate of 3.93%.
BWA Subscriptions and Penetration Rate
BWA subscriptions decreased from 38,078 in Q4 2022 to 37,785 in Q1 2023, representing a decline in growth by 0.76%. Year-on-year subscriptions also declined by 22.73%, which was from 48,901 in Q1 2022 to 37,785 at the end Q1 2023. Penetration rate for broadband wireless access was 0.12% at the end of Q1 2023.
Subscriptions per Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) Operator
Surfline recorded 35,797 subscriptions at the end of the quarter under review representing 94.74% of the market share, as against 35,796 in the previous quarter. Telesol ended this quarter with a subscription of 1,988 and a market share of 5.26%.
Authorised Frequency Modulation (FM) Radio Station
The total number of authorised FM stations in Ghana as at the end of Q1 2023 was 714. The total number of FM stations in operation was 517 in the quarter under review. The Ashanti Region had the highest number of FM stations (105), representing 14.71% of the total number of authorised FM stations in the country. The Northeast Region had the least number of authorised FM Stations (12), representing 1.68% of the total authorised FM Stations in the country.
Authorised Television Stations
The total number of authorised TV stations in Ghana at the end of the first quarter of 2023 was 162 out of which 123 were operational during the quarter under review, representing 75.93% of the total number of authorised TV stations in the country.
The NCA sets regulations and policies to ensure fair competition, consumer protection, and the development of the telecommunications infrastructure. Ghana has a history of promoting competition and innovation in the sector.
The competitive landscape among these operators has driven investments in expanding network coverage, improving service quality, and offering innovative services. Ghana's telecommunications sector has seen growth in mobile data services, and operators have been working to meet the growing connectivity needs of the population. The presence of multiple operators provides consumers with choices and options for mobile communication, which has led to better services and pricing. Ghana's telecommunications sector continues to develop and evolve, reflecting the country's growing digital economy and connectivity needs.
Communications
Total subscriptions: 330,016 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 1 (2021 est.)
comparison ranking: total subscriptions 103
total subscriptions: 40,454,073 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 123 (2021 est.)
comparison ranking: total subscriptions 40
Telecommunication systems
General assessment: challenged by unreliable electricity and shortage of skilled labour, Ghana seeks to extend telecom services nationally; investment in fibre infrastructure and off-grid solutions provide data coverage to over 23 million people; launch of LTE has improved mobile data services, including m-commerce and banking; moderately competitive Internet market, most through mobile networks; international submarine cables, and terrestrial cables have improved Internet capacity; LTE services are widely available; the relatively high cost of 5G-compatible devices also inhibits most subscribers from migrating from 3G and LTE platforms (2022)
domestic: fixed-line data less than 1 per 100 subscriptions; mobile-cellular subscriptions 123 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 233; landing points for the SAT-3/WASC, MainOne, ACE, WACS and GLO-1 fibre-optic submarine cables that provide connectivity to South and West Africa, and Europe; satellite earth stations - 4 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean); microwave radio relay link to Panaftel system connects Ghana to its neighbours; GhanaSat-1 nanosatellite launched in 2017 (2017)
state-owned TV station, 2 state-owned radio networks; several privately owned TV stations and many privately owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are accessible; several cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable.
.gh
Total : 22.44 millions (2021 est.)
percent of population : 68% (2021 est.)
comparison ranking: total 39
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total : 78,371 (2020 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants : 0.3 (2020 est.)
comparison ranking: total 132
Data from CIA factbook
Ghana's telecommunications statistics indicated that as of 2023 there are 32,6 million cell-phone lines in operation. Competition among mobile-phone companies in Ghana is an important part of the telecommunications industry growth of Ghana, with companies obtaining more than 80 per 100 persons as mobile phone and fixed-line phone users.
In order to obtain a sim card, it’s imperative to register by submitting an official ID or passport to the mobile phone provider.
|
Telephone Services |
|
|---|---|
|
Is there an existing landline telephone network? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
Does it allow international calls? (Yes / No) |
Yes |
|
On average, number and length of downtime periods |
1 in 4 months but takes long to be restored |
|
Mobile phone providers (List) |
MTN, Vodafone, AirtelTigo |
|
Estimated availability and coverage. (Approximate percentage of national coverage) |
MTN has the widest coverage with 66.7% of the nation customer population. Followed by Vodafone and AirtelTigo |
Telecommunication Regulation
THE NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY ACT, 2008, is an Act to establish the National Communications Authority as the central body to license and regulate communications activities and services in the country and to provide for related purposes. All communications equipment imports require a clearance letter from the National Communications Authority. Securing a clearance letter prior to importation can help avoid delays at the port of entry.
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Regulations |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Regulations on usage or import of: |
Yes / No |
Regulating Authority |
|
Satellite |
Yes |
National Communication Authority |
|
HF Radio |
Yes |
National Communication Authority |
|
UHF/VHF/HF radio: handheld, base and mobile |
Yes |
National Communication Authority |
|
UHF/VHF repeaters |
Yes |
National Communication Authority |
|
GPS |
No |
|
|
VSAT |
Yes |
National Communication Authority |
|
Individual Network Operator Licenses Required Frequency Licenses Required Yes |
||
Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems
Security communications are managed by UNDSS. UN agencies have their individual VHF and HF frequencies; however, all agencies primary rest channel is UNDSS. Regarding VSAT, agencies have their individual VSAT.
|
Existing UN Telecommunication Systems |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Organisations |
UNDP |
WFP |
UNICEF |
UNHCR |
FAO |
WHO |
|
VHF frequencies |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
HF frequencies |
Yes |
Yes |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
|
Repeaters (Locations) |
UNDSS |
|
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
UNDSS |
|
VSAT |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Ghana - 3.5 Food and Additional Suppliers
Agricultural sector overview
The Ghanaian agriculture sector is largely subsistence-based and dominated by the crop subsector.
Strengths:
The agricultural sector is a major contributor to Ghana's overall gross domestic product. In 2021, the agriculture sector contributed about GHS 90b to the economy, representing 21% of the overall economic output.
The sector is a major source of livelihood for about 33% of the country’s active labor force and engages about 83% of rural households.
The median age in Ghana is 21 years with over 60% of the population within the ages of 15 and 64 years, indicating the availability of labour and a strong working force that drive development in the agriculture sector.
Supportive government initiatives aimed at transforming the agriculture sector in Ghana from predominantly subsistence farming to commercial farming.
Opportunities:
The agricultural land area covers approximately 13.6m hectares representing about 57% of the country’s total land area, out of which, a total of 6.8m hectares, representing about 50%, is under cultivation and 222,978 hectares is under irrigation. This is indicative of the availability of arable land for commercial farming.
Increased government focus to boost productivity in food to meet rising local demand and develop a viable local agroindustry.
The African Continental Free Trade Agreement will bring greater market access to neighbouring countries.
Weaknesses:
Smallholder farms make up majority of farms in Ghana with farms generally below 2 hectares in size. This does not augur well for medium/large scale farming.
Cropping systems and types of crops cultivated vary from one ecological zone to another due to the varied nature of the country’s climatic conditions.
Yields of staple and cash crops is relatively low. The World Development Indicators (WDI) reported the global average yield for cereals to be 4,070.7kg /hectare, while Ghana reported yield of 1,864.3kg /hectare.
Other weaknesses include the negative effect of climate change and variability, low soil fertility, the incidence of pests and diseases, inadequate extension services and financial support, low use of improved agricultural technologies, and unsustainable agricultural production practices.
Food crop production:
With production of 22m tonnes in 2020, Ghana is the fourth largest producer of cassava in the world. Cassava is a very important root crop in Ghana with an estimated land area of 1 million hectares being used for cassava production and about 70% of farmers in Ghana are into cassava production.
Ghana is the second largest producer of yam in the world behind Nigeria, having produced 8.5 million tonnes in 2020. The variety of yam produced in Ghana include pona, larebako, asana, dente, and muchumudu. The unique taste and quality of the pona variety is most preferred by consumers. Ghana also produces large quantities of plantain, maize, rice paddy, oil palm, oranges, pineapples, groundnuts, and coconuts.
Food crop importation
Ghana imports a large amount of rice paddy on an annual basis; 1.3 million tonnes of paddy rice was imported in 2020 as compared to 1 million tonnes produced locally. Aside paddy rice, a significant amount of internationally produced milled rice is imported to supplement local supply.
Aside rice, Ghana imports other cereals into the country. Imported cereals in 2020 include wheat (873,000 tonnes), soybeans (84,333 tonnes), shea nuts (49,963 tonnes), malt (22,312 tonnes). ► Fruits and vegetables imported into the country in 2020 include apples (11,160 tonnes), garlic (7,081 tonnes), and tomatoes (4,000 tonnes).
Warehousing
Lack of storage facilities in the past has contributed to significant postharvest losses in Ghana. Government has taken a plethora of initiatives to increase warehousing capacity in the country. In 2016, a public-private partnership funded the establishment of the Ghana Airport Cargo Centre at the Kotoka International Airport; the facility has a capacity of 10,000 m2.
In 2018, the erstwhile Ministry of Special Initiative in its Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) committed to constructing 50 prefabricated grain warehouses: each with a capacity of 1,000 metric tonnes. 42 out of these 50 warehouses were completed as of December 2020.
The Government of Ghana has also launched the “0ne District One Warehouse” intervention to increase storage capacity.
As of September 2021, 23 warehouses, each with a capacity of 1,000 metric tonnes, had been completed out of the target of 30 warehouses.
Licensed warehouses under Ghana Grains Council
Warehouse Capacity (mt)
1 Grains Leaders Limited 500 mt
2 Wienco (Ghana) Ltd 18,000 mt
3 Wienco (Ghana) Ltd 6,000 mt
4 Gunda Produce Company Ltd 500 mt
5 Savanna Farmers Marketing Company Ltd 1,000 mt
6 CDH Commodities Limited 4,600 mt
7 AGMSIG Resources (Shekinah ABC) 1,000 mt
8 BUSACA Agribusiness Company Ltd L 1,000 mt
9 Premium Foods Ltd 18,000 mt
10 Faranaya Agribusiness Company Ltd 1,000 mt
11 GT Accra Poultry Farmers Association 3,000 mt
Total 54,600 mt
Detailed information can be found here
Ghana possesses industrial minerals, hydrocarbons, and precious metals. It is an emerging designated digital economy with mixed economy hybridisation and an emerging market. It has an economic plan target known as the "Ghana Vision 2020". This plan envisions Ghana as the first African country to become a developed country between 2020 and 2029 and a newly industrialised country between 2030 and 2039. This excludes fellow Group of 24 member and Sub-Saharan African Country South Africa, which is a newly industrialised country.
OVERVIEW: In 2021, Ghana was the number 71 economy in the world in terms of GDP (current US$), the number 84 in total exports, the number 83 in total imports, the number 156 economy in terms of GDP per capita (current US$) and the number 118 most complex economy according to the Economic Complexity Index (ECI).
EXPORTS: The top exports of Ghana are Gold ($5.29B), Crude Petroleum ($3.57B), Cocoa Beans ($1.51B), Cocoa Paste ($477M), and Coconuts, Brazil Nuts, and Cashews ($477M), exporting mostly to Switzerland ($2.44B), United Arab Emirates ($1.73B), United States ($1.56B), India ($1.53B), and China ($1.27B).
IMPORTS: The top imports of Ghana are Refined Petroleum ($1B), Cars ($629M), Rice ($552M), Delivery Trucks ($474M), and Coated Flat-Rolled Iron ($422M), importing mostly from China ($8.1B), India ($1.1B), Netherlands ($1.04B), United States ($949M), and United Arab Emirates ($826M).
In 2021, Ghana was the world's biggest importer of Used Clothing ($214M)
2021
ECONOMIC COMPLEXITY
TRADE: -1.27 RANK 118 OF 131
2021
ECONOMIC COMPLEXITY
RESEARCH: 0.21 RANK 47 OF 140
2021
PRODUCT
EXPORTS $14.1B RANK 84 OF 226 | IMPORTS $20.2B RANK 83 OF 226
Ghana is considered a middle-income country and has a good supplied market. It is possible to procure on the local market which can meet demand and has the ability to scale up if required. Some specific heavy equipment or high-tech devices might not be available in the local market. The main markets are in the southern part of Ghana while the northern part is poorer with smaller markets. Recent data reveals a clear evidence of a weakening manufacturing sector as domestic markets are now flooded with imports at highly competitive prices.
The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in the economy of Ghana. In addition to contributing 60% of formal and informal employment, the sector has contributed an average of 35% to GDP in the past five years. The agricultural sector is segmented into crops (cereals and starchy crops such as cassava, plantain, and yam), livestock, fisheries, forestry and cocoa. There are no large-scale processing facilities that use the main agricultural produce of the country apart from those that process cocoa. Supply chains for agribusinesses that rely on local agricultural produce such as maize, cassava and fruits are characterized by poor transportation infrastructure, poor storage systems and an absence of quality-assurance systems. The result is irregular deliveries, unreliable performance on supply contracts and a high cost of inputs.
Producers, Wholesalers, Retailers Contact list
Ghana - 3.6 Additional Services
Vehicle Rental
Vehicles for rent are available in the country. An organization can reasonably expect to meet their initial needs through renting.
Electricity and Power
The Volta River Authority (VRA) was established on April 26, 1961 with the mandate to generate, transmit and distribute electricity under the Volta River Development Act, Act 46 of the Republic of Ghana.
However, following the promulgation of a major amendment to the Act within the context of the Ghana Government Power Sector Reforms in 2005, the VRA's mandate has now been largely restricted to generation of electricity. This amendment has created an enabling environment to attract Independent Power Producers (IPPs) into the Ghana Energy market.
The amendment also hived-off the VRA's transmission function into a separate entity designated the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo), while the distribution agency, the Northern Electricity Department (NED), established in April 1987, also evolved into the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), a wholly owned standalone subsidiary of the VRA.
The VRA has diversified its power generation portfolio to take advantage of available and sustainable sources of energy, mainly hydro, and natural gas and renewables. The Authority owns and operates a total installed electricity generation capacity of 2,532MW. The two main hydro plants, Akosombo and Kpong Generating Stations both located on the Volta River have 1,020MW and 160MW respectively. These are complemented by a 2.5MW Solar PV Plant at Navrongo in the Upper East Region, a 6.54MW Solar PV Plant at Lawra and a 13MW Solar PV Plant at Kaleo, both in the Upper West Region.
The VRA also owns several thermal plants located in Aboadze near Takoradi, and the Tema enclave. The Authority’s thermal facilities include the 330MW Takoradi Thermal (T1) Power Station, a 340MW Takoradi International Company Thermal (T2) Power Plant, which is a joint venture (JV) between VRA and TAQA from Abu Dhabi; a 110MW Tema Thermal 1 Power Plant (TT1PP) now designated Station 2, an 80MW Tema Thermal 2 Power Plant (TT2PP) designated as Station 3, a 220MW Kpone Thermal Power Station (KTPS) and a 250MW Ameri Power Plant which the Government of Ghana handed over to VRA in January 2022 to manage as part of its portfolio. The Ameri Plant will be relocated from Aboadze to Kumasi to improve electric power reliability in the middle and northern belts of the country.
As part of the Authority's expansion programme, VRA is exploring the re-powering of the 132MW T3 Plant at Takoradi and converting the existing 220MW Kpone Thermal Power Plant (KTPP) into a combined cycle power plant.
To diversify the Authority’s generation portfolio and assist in achieving the Government’s Renewable Energy (RE) Policy objective, VRA formulated a Renewable Energy (RE) Policy to develop and operate RE plants in an efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner. The second phase of the programme was set from 2016 to 2020 with about 100MW of Solar PV and 200MW of Wind Energy.
Seeking to increase the Authority’s renewable footprint, a Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic and a Solar Car Park Installation with a capacity of 148kWp has been installed at the Head Office, Electro- Volta House. The installation is estimated to reduce electricity consumption by at least 23% while ensuring that some cost-saving is made on electricity use at the Head-office. Plans are underway to implement similar installations in the various VRA operational locations.
The VRA is currently working to develop about 150MW of Wind Power at identified sites in the southern parts of the country. Feasibility Studies, Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Grid Impact studies have been concluded for the first 75MW Wind Power project at Anloga, Srogbe and Anyanui in the Volta Region, for the project to kick-off in 2022.
In order to ensure reliable plant operations and grid stability, the Government of Ghana and the Authority commenced processes in April 2021, to relocate the Ameri Power Plant from Aboadze to Kumasi, in the Ashanti Region.
As part of the Authority's expansion programme, VRA is exploring the re-powering of the 132MW T3 Plant at Takoradi and converting the existing 220MW Kpone Thermal Power Plant (KTPP) into a combined cycle power plant.
The power plants can be listed into four different categories:
Hydro generation:
-
Akosombo hydro plant
-
Kpong hydro plant
-
Thermal generation:
-
Takoradi thermal power station
-
Tema thermal power station
-
Takoradi 3 (T3) thermal plant
-
Kpone therma power station
-
Renewables:
-
Navrongo solar power plant
-
Lawra solar power plant
-
Kaleo solar power plant
-
Wind energy
|
Production Unit |
Type [1] |
Installed Capacity (MW) |
|---|---|---|
|
Akosombo Hydro Plant link |
Hydroelectric power |
1020MW |
|
Kpong Hydro Plant link |
Hydroelectric power |
160 MW |
|
Bui Hydro Plant link |
Hydroelectric power |
404 MW |
|
Takoradi thermal power station link |
Thermal power |
330 MW |
|
Takoradi 3 (T3) link |
Thermal power |
132 MW |
|
Tema Thermal 1 Power Plant link |
Thermal power station 1 |
75 MW |
|
Tema Thermal 2 Power Plant link |
Thermal power Station 2 |
126 MW |
|
Tema Thermal 3 Power Plant link |
Thermal power Station 3 |
20.8 MW |
|
Kpone thermal power station link |
Thermal power |
220 MW |
|
Ameri power plant link |
Thermal power |
250 MW |
|
OSONOR (CENIT) link |
Thermal power |
126 MW |
|
Tokaradi 3 link |
Thermal power |
132 MW |
|
Sunon Asogli link |
Thermal power |
560 MW |
|
Kaleo power plant link |
Solar power |
13 MW |
|
Lawra power plant link |
Solar power |
6.5 MW |
|
Navrongo Solar Power Plant link |
Solar power |
2.5 MW |
|
Wind energy link |
Wind power |
150 MW (works in progress) |
E.g. Hydroelectric power, Thermal power…
Waste Management and Disposal Providers
The Ghanaian government is managing the waste management and disposal through its Ministry of Local Government Decentralisation and Rural Development (MLGRD). There are two modes of waste collection in Ghana: The House to House (HH) Collection Mode and the Communal Container Collection (CCC). The waste management service provider Zoomlion Ltd is very present in the country.
Zoomlion Ghana Limited is specialized in delivering comprehensive waste management solutions. The services encompass the entire waste management process, starting from waste collection, composting & recycling, and landfill management, through haulage, transfer, sorting, recycling, and disposal, with over 5 million customers.
Urban areas in Ghana produce a variety of waste. The predominant wastes being domestic solid waste, industrial waste and construction waste. These wastes are sent to a few dumpsites, but majority end up in drains, streams and open places.
In Ghana, about 12,710 tons of solid waste are generated every day, with only 10 percent collected and disposed of properly. Plastic waste constitutes a large proportion of urban waste.
The results indicate that Plastics/bags/bottles, food waste, paper/carton, tins/cans, and glasses are the major types of solid wastes in the study area.
Ghana currently has only five engineered landfills; however, most of them are dysfunctional. Accra, for example, has no landfill site; therefore, most of the waste collected from the city is taken to Kpone in Tema, a city 24 km from Accra.
Waste Disposal - Non-Hazardous
Open dump and open burning are a common practice to dispose of waste in Ghana; Oblojo is the waste dumpsite in Accra and the Dompoase is a landfill in Kumasi.
Waste Disposal – Hazardous
Agbogbloshie is a former wetland, which is now home to one of the world's largest electronic waste dumps. Here people slash and burn electronic devices to salvage the metals inside them.
Hundreds of thousands of tons of used electronics—mainly from Western Europe and the United States—are delivered in huge containers.
The procedures and processes for disposing of Hazardous Waste are often unclear. There is a weak follow-up and control on the disposal of used motor oil, fuel, electronics / computers. Agbogbloshie is an informal E-waste recycling site in Ghana.
The total amount of grey and black wastewater produced in urban Ghana is estimated to be approximately 280 million m3. This quantity of wastewater is mainly from domestic sources since most wastewater from industry is channelled into the ocean, streams or wetland and only about 10% of the urban wastewater emanating from the domestic and municipal sources is disposed off through sewage networks connected to treatment plants.
Ghana - 3.7 Waste Management and Recycling Infrastructure Assessment
Overview
Globally, the volume of solid waste generated is increasing because of population density, economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization. It is estimated that an average of 1.9 billion tons of solid waste is generated annually in most cities in the world. Effective solid waste management thus plays a major role in combatting the health and environmental concerns urbanized cities suffer from, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In SSA, waste generation is estimated to be about 62 million tonnes per year. The effective and efficient management of solid waste is one of the biggest challenges local government authorities faces, especially in urban settings. Increased population growth and urbanization have resulted in increased generation of large quantities of solid waste across many cities in developing countries, outstripping local authorities’ ability to manage and dispose of solid waste in a sanitary manner. Despite spending 30 to 50% of their operational budgets on solid waste management, cities in low- and middle-income countries such as Ghana, only collect between 50 and 80% of the waste generated.
In Ghana, about 12,710 tons of solid waste is generated daily, with only 10% collected and disposed of at designated dumping sites. A major challenge in the management of solid waste in Ghana is the collection and disposal process, which are labour-intensive and often not effective. In urban cities in Ghana, issues relating to proper solid waste disposal is a major challenge for the local government authorities. City authorities and waste companies are often overwhelmed by the volume of waste generated daily. The lack of well-planned and efficient strategies to manage waste is one reason for the poor state of solid waste management, particularly by municipal authorities in Ghana. It is estimated that 50 to 70% of the budget of municipal authorities is used to tackle the management and disposal of waste. It has been reported that city authorities in Ghana spend about GHc 6.7 million (US$ 3.45 million) annually on the collection and transport of waste for disposal, and GHc 550,000.00 (US$ 0.28 million) per month to pay waste contractors and for landfill maintenance. Poor sanitation because of indiscriminate waste disposal alone is estimated to cost the country $290 million every year- an equivalent to 1.6% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
Major factors hindering proper management of solid waste in Ghana are rapid population growth and urbanization, inadequate supply of waste bins, lack of waste transportation systems, low public awareness on the health consequences of poor waste management, and weak enforcement of environmental regulations. Besides, urban residents’ poor behavioural practices towards solid waste is reflected in littering the streets and water passage-ways as well as other public spaces. Low technical know-how on proper solid waste management processes by waste company managers further contribute to the challenges regarding solid waste management. The consequences of indiscriminate or unsafe disposal of solid waste into open drains and water bodies could contribute to flooding and disease outbreaks. Despite successive governments’ initiatives such as the empowerment of local government authorities to regulate waste management and policy on private sector participation in waste control, challenges remain in managing waste in many urban cities in Ghana. Other challenges such as inadequate waste infrastructure, inadequate equipment, and insufficient operational funds to support waste management activities have also been reported.
There is a need for greater co-ordination in the implementation of waste management plans and programmes, and in the overall management of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. To achieve a network of integrated waste management facilities, much more effective national, regional and District co-operation is required. There is a need for better enforcement of existing waste legislation and byelaws to prevent for example, illegal disposal of waste. Waste is often dumped without proper authorisation, and this is becoming a more significant problem.
Despite its links to public health and environmental protection, and its salience in the public consciousness, progress on improving Solid Waste Management (SWM) practices remains slow in Ghana. In all urban areas of the country, solid waste is indiscriminately thrown in the streets, drains, or the sea; crudely dumped at unapproved sites; or burnt on-site. Problematic household practices regarding solid waste disposal are compounded by inadequate, ineffective, or unaffordable service delivery arrangements. In most cases, waste transfer stations (such as skips) are poorly located, inadequate in number, and emptied irregularly. Regular door-to-door collection services, although reasonably widespread, are selective in who they serve due to poorly defined or unenforced zoning. In many Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) service providers are not accountable for the quality of services they deliver due to weak governance, procurement and monitoring and evaluation systems. Problems also extend to waste disposal and landfill sites - which are poorly managed, lacking in capacity and unsafe. Moreover, waste reduction, re-use, and recycling activities remain extremely localised and small scale.
Used cloths:
In 2022, Ghana imported $164M in Used Clothing, becoming the 9th largest importer of Used Clothing in the world.
Importation of used goods, usually termed as ‘second hand’ products has been like a cankerworm eating slowly at Ghana’s economy as used items such as electronics, cars, and clothes in commercial quantities are shipped into Ghana on a regular basis. Even as the country continues to bear the menacing effect of this, the threat posed by the importation of used clothes in recent years has become much more devastating.
Earlier in 2023, it was reported that heaps of unwanted clothing have now resulted in an environmental crisis in Ghana. The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change gave the stipulations that, out of the 65 million tons of used clothing sent to Ghana in 2019, about 40% which were not sold were discarded and these items notoriously ended up in landfills and in the sea.
Again, researchers have argued that the fast fashion second-hand market has affected seamstresses’ lives in various facets from business to livelihoods as the clothing industry in Ghana has seen a shift from the traditional demand for custom-made apparel to Westernized, mass-produced clothing (Doe, 2022). Being cheap and readily available to the consumer, Baden & Barber (2005) has noted that this thriving second-hand clothing market played a major role in undermining industrial textile or clothing production and employment in West Africa since the 1990s.
They further claimed that Ghana’s locally produced clothing industry has suffered a significant decline on this accord.
Aside from causing this serious decline in the Ghanaian fashion industry, the importation of second-hand clothes has been reported to cause negative effects in other sectors of the economy. For example, fishermen are beginning to raise the issue that instead of hauling fish out from the sea, they are rewarded with huge heaps of clothing stuck in their nets.
How is waste collected?
Waste management is competing with more pressing economic and social issues such as social protection programs, education, and health. The government of Ghana has therefore decentralized the waste management system in the country. With this development, local government authorities and private sector actors are now playing key roles in waste management in the country. A study specifically analysed the involvement of the private sector in solid waste management, and the quality of waste management services. Through a survey of 312 households, the study analysed the performance improvement, regulatory policy, and sustainable service delivery of solid waste management in the municipalities. The study found that there were no mechanisms for full cost recovery to include majority of the residents, who patronize communal collection service. The study therefore recommends the adherence to normative standards and agreed rules, adoption, and use of appropriate cost recovery strategies for low-income groups as well as the restructuring of institutional arrangements to ensure user involvement and enforcement of legislation to improve municipal solid waste management in Ghana. link
The average Ghanaian produces about 0.47 kilograms of plastic waste per day. Accra for example, generates about 1500 tons of solid waste per day (Ghana landfill guidelines, July, 2002) of which only about 55% is collected and disposed. It is therefore common to find mountains of solid wastes uncollected for months especially in the urban areas. Only about 5% of plastic waste in Ghana is recycled. An estimated 86 percent of Ghana’s waste plastic load is improperly disposed-off resulting in plastics clogging up stormwater drains, rivers, and streams and ending up in the oceans. It is estimated that 250,000 metric tons of plastic waster are dumped from Ghana into the Atlantic Ocean (World Bank, 2020).
What are the country regulations with regards to waste management and recycling (provide legislation details and/or website/contact information for government bodies regulating waste management in country)?
The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI) link
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) link
The Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources (MSWR) link
The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MoLGRD) link
Who provides the services (government of private companies)?
Municipal Solid Waste in Ghana is handled by private companies contracted by the various municipalities. These contracts are reviewed in 5-year intervals based on performance reviews. People can contact the Municipal Health department of their municipality for information on which contractor works in their area.
Status of the landfills in the country?
Ghana currently has only five engineered landfills; however, most of them are dysfunctional. Accra, for example, has no landfill site; therefore, most of the waste collected from the city is taken to Kpone in Tema, a city 24 km from Accra.
A study showed landfill sites were found very close to residence, water bodies and highways. 65%-75% of generated municipal solid waste ended up in landfills. Open dumping was the predominant form of landfill types in Ghana as it was found in most of the communities in municipalities and districts. Result obtained from the study revealed that vehicles and equipment cost are the highest contributor to the operating cost in all the three sites; it ranged between 58.4%-61.9% of the total operating cost. The cost of fuel and lubrication fluids represented about 22% of the total operating cost. Frequent break down of equipment, lack of funds to run a more efficient operation, inaccessible nature of the road during raining seasons and encroachment due to absence of fence, were some of the challenges facing landfill operations in Ghana. Recycling of waste was highly recommended to divert more waste from ending up in landfills, thereby increasing its life span. Metropolitan, Municipalities, District Assemblies and private service providers should be made to follow the basic operational controls and standards in relations to landfills in Ghana as specified in landfill operational guidelines with strict enforcement of the policy by Environmental Protection Agency. source
Are there any recycling programme in the country (including both private and public/governmental recycling facilities)? A study reported that the absence of effective waste management and recycling systems is causing public health concerns in developing countries. This leads to diseases, hardship, and negative effects such as loss of income due to illness, and increased health care expenditure for the underprivileged. Experience shows that regular supply of waste bins at various collection points improve easy accessibility for the residents to dump waste.
The study also revealed that waste disposal sites are not engineered, leading to solid waste littering in open spaces because of using “archaic” practices in waste management. Recommended methods such as recycling and engineered landfills are either absent or rarely used. Instead, archaic practices such as open burning, landfilling, and open dumping of waste are increasingly being used in the Municipality. These archaic practices release toxic organic pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, and furans into the air, with negative effects on the eco-systems. The findings suggest poor adherence of the two study waste companies to Ghana’s Environmental Sanitation Policy (ESP) on final disposal methods. Ghana’s ESP specifically recommends technologies for solid disposal such as sanitary landfill, controlled dumping with cover, incineration, composting, and recycling as standards for the final disposal of urban and large industrial waste. To ensure adherence to the ESP, regulatory agencies such as local authorities in Ghana need to be strengthened to strictly enforce legislation and by-laws on sanitation and solid waste management in the municipality.
To address the problem of waste management, Government has over the years put in place adequate national policies, regulatory and institutional frameworks. An Environmental Sanitation Policy was formulated in 1999. This policy has currently been amended and strategic action plans developed for implementation. Various relevant legislations for the control of waste have also been enacted. These include the follows:
• Local Government Act, 1990 (Act 462)
• Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999 (LI 1652)
• Criminal Code, 1960 (Act 29)
• Water Resources Commission Act, 1996 (Act 522)
• Pesticides Control and Management Act, 1996 (Act 528)
• National Building Regulations, 1996 (LI 1630).
In addition to the above policies and legislations, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, the EPA, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development and the Ministry of Health have prepared the following guidelines and standards for waste management:
-
National Environmental Quality Guidelines (1998) link
-
Ghana Landfill Guidelines (2002)
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Manual for the preparation of district waste management plans in Ghana (2002)
-
Guidelines for the management of healthcare and veterinary waste in Ghana (2002) link
-
Handbook for the preparation of District level Environmental Sanitation Strategies and Action Plans (DESSAPs). link
For more information on waste management company contact details, please see the following link: 4.12 Waste Management Companies Contact List.
Non-Hazardous Waste Disposal
Poor sanitation and municipal solid waste management has contributed to pollution and unsightly conditions hindering economic development and causing public health problems. It is estimated that the average daily solid waste production is 0.45kg per capita per day. Accra for example, generates about 1500 tons of solid waste per day (Ghana landfill guidelines, July, 2002) of
which only about 55% is collected and disposed of. It is therefore common to find mountains of solid wastes uncollected for months especially in the urban areas. source
Domestic wastewater in Ghana is mostly discharged directly into drainage systems that empty into water bodies such as rivers, lagoons, and streams. By 2000 about 80% of sewage treatment
facilities in Accra were not functioning thus placing a lot of pressure on the receiving streams and rivers in the city (EPA, 2000). The extent of pollution especially in the Odaw River in Accra
is so intense leading to drastic decline in desirable aquatic organisms. It is also estimated that the Chemu lagoon in Tema also receives over 2million m3 of discharges per day from industries in the catchment area. source
https://ghanawasteplatform.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/National-Solid-Waste-Management-2020.pdf
Hazardous Waste Disposal
The EPA oversees and governs all matters pertaining to hazardous waste in the nation, coming whether from homes or industries. MMDAs, or Metropolitan Municipal and District Assemblies, are responsible for managing garbage "on the ground," while EPA offers technical assistance by establishing environmental standards and guidelines. Over the years, MMDAs have focused on managing solid and liquid waste due to financial, infrastructure, logistical and technical limitations of managing hazardous waste.
Following a reform in 2010, contractors had to register polluters within their allocated zones for waste collection and disposal. The polluter would have to pay a monthly fee to the contractor for collecting refuse twice a week. This reform was adopted by most MMDA’s in the Greater Accra region and has worked well for them. Should a contractor come across hazardous waste in the discharge of their duty, the MMDA of the area would be notified for transfer to an approved disposal location. source
Medical Waste Overview and Disposal
Ghana's attempt to regulate health care waste management started in 2002 with the development of guidelines on health care waste management by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In 2006, the Ministry of Health developed the health care waste policy and guidelines. This guidance document improved health care waste management in the country. With support from the UNDP-GEF medical waste management project, the Ministry of Health has revised the existing National Health Care Waste Management (HCWM), policy and guideline, 2006and has produced two separate documents- A National Health Care Waste Management Policy and a National Guideline for Health Care Waste Management countrywide. This policy is replacing the 2006 policy and introduces new technical and administrative policy issues to enhance waste management in health care facilities. source
The greater part of waste generated by health institutions are not hazardous and can be managed like household waste. This constitutes about 75 - 90% of all waste generated in health institutions. However, the remaining 10 - 25 % is hazardous and requires special arrangements for management (WHO, 2014). Examples of hazardous health care waste are pathological waste (e.g. tissues and body fluids), pharmaceuticals (expired or unused drugs etc.), sharps (e.g. syringes, disposable scalpels, scalpel blades, etc.), non-sharp infectious waste (swabs, bandages, disposable medical devices, etc.), chemicals (solvents, disinfectants, nano-medical waste etc.) and radioactive (spent sources of radioactive materials etc.),as well as wastewater including effluents from mortuaries.
Healthcare waste management in developing countries does not comply with best practices and regulatory framework for healthcare waste management. An appraisal of healthcare waste management in developing countries conducted by the WHO showed a significantly high number of healthcare facilities did not implement guidelines on healthcare waste management. Much needs to be done to manage healthcare wastes in developing countries like Ghana to address the environmental and health implications associated with poor healthcare waste management. The understanding of the characteristics of healthcare waste and the best practices for its management are critical to proper healthcare waste management.
Healthcare waste, also called medical waste, comprises of non-hazardous general healthcare waste (or domestic waste) and hazardous healthcare waste such as sharps, infectious, chemical, radioactive, and pharmaceutical waste. The general waste is that waste which is uncontaminated with blood, body fluids or other harmful agents, and composes of material such as paper, fabrics, glass, food residues and containers. Infectious waste is considered hazardous due to actual or presumed biological, chemical and/or radioactive contamination. It comprises those waste that is suspected to contain pathogens and therefore poses a risk of transmission of diseases. These include waste contaminated with blood and other body fluids, cultures from the laboratory, microbiological stocks, excreta, and other materials that have had contact with patients with highly infectious diseases in isolation wards. Materials or items contaminated by or containing pharmaceuticals and expired pharmaceutical products that are expired or no longer needed are classified as pharmaceutical wastes.
WHO and UNEP recommend guidelines for safe healthcare waste management and prevention of accumulation of waste generated. The technologies for treating and disposal of healthcare waste include locally built incinerators, open pit burning, hydroplanes, sharp pits, autoclaves, superheated steam sterilization and microwave disinfection, and landfilling of residue after treatment. source
National legal and regulatory framework:
Waste management in Ghana is a multi-sectorial effort with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resource, Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MoLGRD) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) playing key roles as implementer and regulator respectively. The responsibility for implementation is discharged through the Municipal, Metropolitan and District, Assemblies (MMDAS) which are directly under the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development. The Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016 instituted by the EPA has “Medical waste management” as one of its schedules. The Hazardous waste regulation has also been developed and passed to ensure effective implementation of the policy by all stakeholders. Other existing laws which have relevance for Health Care Waste Management assign certain functions to some institutions such as district assemblies and the EPA but lacks specific provisions for dealing with health care waste in a comprehensive manner. The following existing laws are those having relevance for Health Care Waste Management in the country:
• The Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992
• The Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1994(Act 490)
• Environmental Assessment Regulations, 1999(LI 1652)
• The Local Government Act, 1993 (Act462)
• National Building Regulations, 1996(LI 1630)
• Town and Country Planning Act, 1945 (CAP84)
• Food and Drugs Law 305b (1992) 18
• Mortuaries and Funeral Facilities Act, 1998 (Act 563)
• The Criminal Code, 1960(Act 29)
• Public Health ActofGhana,2012 (Act851)
• Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016 (Act917)
The Constitution of Ghana enshrines the human rights of the individual and requires the President to report to Parliament at least once a year on all the steps taken to ensure the realization of policy objectives contained in Chapter 6 and, the realization of basic human rights, a healthy economy, the right to work, the right to good health care and the right to education (Article 34)
UNDP-GEF Medical Waste Management Project
Ghana's Policy on Healthcare Waste Management (2006) has been reviewed to meet currently accepted best practices, paying attention to the requirements in relevant international conventions on waste (Basel, Stockholm, and Bamako Convention). A new National Guideline has been developed providing step-by-step processes on how healthcare facilities can efficiently manage their waste to reduce risks associated with improper HCWM and environmental pollution. Notably, the new guideline harmonised into one document, previously existing guidelines enforced separately by MOH and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The harmonisation was done to enhance consistency in enforcement. There are now two documents to guide HCWM in the country:
-
National Policy on Healthcare Waste Management to be enforced by Ministry of Health.
-
National Guidelines on Healthcare waste management to be enforced by the health and environment sectors.
A national implementation plan has also been developed to enhance the implementation of the policy and guideline.
Under the UNDP-GEF Medical Waste Management Project, three autoclave treatment facilities have been installed at the Tegbi Health Center, the Eastern Regional Hospital, and the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital for the treatment of infectious health care waste. These autoclaves facilities have capacities of 250litres, 500 litres, 500 litres and 400litres respectively, and have transportation systems to enhance the movement of infectious waste in nearby healthcare facilities to operate as a cluster infectious health care waste treatment system. Additionally, the project has promoted the utilisation of a private non-incineration central treatment facility (Zoompak) in Accra and has facilitated an increase in its clientele by over 80 health facilities in the Greater Accra Region through advocacy on adoption of best HCWM practices.