The Impact of Waste Management on Green Spaces and Community Well-being: A Case Study of Wa Municipality, Upper West, Ghana

Urbanization in Low- and Middle-Income Countries such as Ghana has placed immense pressure on infrastructure, waste management systems, and urban green spaces. This study examines the impact of waste management practices on green spaces and community well-being in Wa Municipal, focusing on four communities: Dondoli, Mangu, Dokpong, and Bamahu. Using a participatory research approach, data collected from waste management authorities, sanitation agencies, and residents were used to examine waste composition, health impacts, and community engagement in environmental sustainability. The findings reveal that organic waste and plastics dominate waste composition, with inadequate disposal practices contributing to pollution and health issues, including respiratory and skin diseases. Gender disparities in waste management roles were identified, with women largely responsible for household waste disposal. The degradation of green spaces in Bamahu and Dondoli negatively affects social cohesion and economic activities, while Dokpong and Mangu, with well-maintained green spaces, experience improved environmental and community well-being. The study emphasizes the importance of implementing structured waste management systems, community-led conservation efforts, and economic incentives to promote sustainable waste practices. Key recommendations include the establishment of designated waste collection points, municipal composting programs, formalized communal labor structures, and the integration of policies with local governance frameworks. These findings align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals on sustainable cities, climate action, and life on land, providing evidence-based strategies for fostering urban resilience and ecological sustainability in Wa Municipality.