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Technical efficiency and performance determinants of solid waste management in Ghana’s municipalities and district assemblies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The study applied the input-oriented data envelopment analysis technique to assess the performance of solid waste management companies operating in Ghana's municipal and district assemblies (MDAs). The results showed that the average technical efficiency for waste companies in municipalities was 0.79, compared to 0.86 for those in districts. Further analysis revealed that, despite districts spending more on solid waste management per capita (3.833) compared to municipalities (2.53), their waste collection rates were significantly lower, at 0.156 kg/capita/day, compared to 0.42 kg/capita/day in municipalities. Nonetheless, both districts and municipalities fell short of the national average waste collection rate of 0.51 kg/capita/day. A robust multiple linear regression analysis identified organisational structure, cultural and social context as significant determinants of performance. The application of the input-oriented data envelopment analysis technique provides a framework for assessing, monitoring, and benchmarking the performance of waste management companies.

Source: Discover Sustainability

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-026-02793-x

Authors: Moses Kofi Armah, Miguel Rodrigues

Institution: University of Minho

Language: English

Topic: Efficiency Analysis Using DEA

Subfield: Management Science and Operations Research

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,390