WASTE DISPOSAL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN SELECTED SENIOR HIGH SCHOOLS WITHIN THE WA MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA

Waste disposal management is an issue of concern among stakeholders responsible for waste management. The purpose of this study was to examine waste disposal management practices in three selected Senior High Schools (SHS) within the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study adopted a mixed method explanatory sequential approach with both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The tools used to capture the required data includes; questionnaires, interview schedules and observation. The study respondents were students, teachers and school management of selected Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study respondents were one hundred and twenty-two (122) respondents comprising 45 students, 45 teachers, 30 school management officials,1 education officer and 1 waste management officer. The study found out that different kind of solid wastes are generated in Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study found out that the commonest types of solid waste generated in these schools were food waste, rubbish, and ashes. Again, it was found out that waste is been disposed off in open spaces in Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality. The study further revealed that, students, teachers and school management are worried about the waste disposal situation in senior high schools within the Wa Municipality. It also emerged from the study that there are no proper waste dump sites in Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality. The study also found out that waste is being thrown away without separation in senior high schools within the Wa Municipality. It also emerged from the study that waste management practices are very important to students. Based on the findings of the study, the study recommends the provision of adequate dustbins in Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality. The study further recommends regular collection of waste in Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality by the institutions responsible. At least, waste should be collected once in every week in Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality. The study further recommends regular monitoring of waste collection by the Wa Municipal Assembly. This will keep the place constantly clean and prevent any possible outbreak of communicable diseases such as cholera and typhoid.Keywords: Waste Disposal Management Practices, Senior High Schools, Wa Municipality, Ghana