Solid waste collection operation activities in Oforikrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

This study assessed solid waste collection operations within the Oforikrom Municipal Assembly, focusing on existing collection practices and systems, as well as the key challenges affecting their efficiency. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods. Using a simple random sampling technique, 384 households were selected from Ayigya, Boadi, and Kotei communities within the municipality to ensure representativeness. Additionally, purposive sampling targeted key informants, including the municipal waste officer and Informal waste contractors, for expert insights. Findings showed that waste collection in Oforikrom is largely dominated by informal waste collectors who provide flexible and affordable services, resulting in a high user satisfaction rate (91.9%). However, the study identified significant disparities in access to formal waste collection, limited provision of communal bins, and infrastructural challenges such as poor road networks and irregular collection schedules. Chi-square analysis confirmed statistically significant variations in the challenges across communities (p < 0.001), showing spatial and socioeconomic inequalities in service delivery. Institutional constraints such as inadequate logistics, weak coordination, and funding limitations further hindered operational efficiency. The study concludes that while informal systems effectively bridge service gaps, their unregulated operations pose environmental and health risks.