Drivers of ineffective environmental sanitation bye-laws in Ghana: Implications for environmental governance

Abstract

Historically, many national governments of Sub-Saharan African countries, including Ghana, have devolved the responsibility of environmental sanitation to local government authorities to enact bye-laws within their catchment areas. Sanitation bye-laws are context-specific rules of the game aimed at shaping human-environment relationships at the local level. Yet, few studies have assessed their effectiveness in addressing environmental sanitation problems in Ghana. Through a comparative analysis of four local government authorities, this study evaluated the effectiveness of sanitation bye-laws in Ghana by drawing data from key informant interviews. It was revealed that the effectiveness of local government authorities sanitation bye-laws, was compromised by political interference, funding, lack of a proper sanctioning system and the lack of awareness of these bye-laws. The depoliticization of environmental sanitation and the establishment of environmental tribunals are necessary for environmental governance. This would enable local government authorities put developing countries on the right trajectory towards sustainable development at the local level.