Flood-waste disaster in Ghana: causal factors, environmental risk and planning response

Purpose Floods generate large volumes of debris that disrupt urban services and endanger public health. Yet, evidence on the drivers and impacts of post-flood waste and on how at-risk communities and institutions respond, remains limited. This study (1) identifies the causal factors driving post-flood waste generation and accumulation, (2) assesses the environmental implications for affected urban communities and (3) evaluates the planning and management strategies adopted by communities and institutions to prevent, manage and mitigate its impacts. Design/methodology/approach The study employed a mixed-method explanatory design, with 345 household respondents and institutional representatives selected through random and purposive sampling. Data collection included surveys, expert interviews and site observations, which were analysed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Findings The findings show that soil erosion and sedimentation (Relative Important Index (RII) of 1.743), improper waste management (RII of 1.438) and blocked drainage systems (RII of 0.902) are the primary causes of flood waste. Health risks such as cholera and malaria, alongside social and economic disruptions, were significant concerns. The results also reveal a gap in community participation in clean-up initiatives, further aggravating the waste management burden. Apart from collecting and removal, burning or transporting the waste by the community, the institutional responses focused on public education, drainage maintenance and enforcement of zoning regulations, though hindered by resource constraints. Originality/value Unlike prior studies that focus primarily on the causes and effects of flooding, this study highlights the concept of “Post-Flood Waste” as a distinct environmental challenge in Ghana.