From Marvel to Crisis: Anthropologist’s Revelations on Tema’s Sewage Strain Ignite Calls for Sustainable Solutions

BY ZAAHIDA ABDUL WAHID

The deplorable state of the sewage infrastructure in Tema cannot sustain the strain that the city’s rapid growth has placed on the system. Accomplished anthropologist Prof. Brenda Chalfin said this during her presentation on ‘History and Politics of Human Waste in Urban Ghana’ at BookTalk held Wednesday November 8 at the Ama Ata Aidoo Centre for Creative Writing at African University College of Communications, AUCC.

Her appearance at AUCC was ahead of the launch of her new book ‘Waste Works: Vital Politics in Urban Ghana’.

The professor of anthropology and African Studies from University of Florida revealed to development communication and journalism students that the consequences of this strain, from pollution to health hazards for residents, demanded an urgent need for improved sewage management and the implementation of sustainable solutions to mitigate these challenges.

Prof. Chalfin delivered a captivating 30-minute talk, presenting a historical overview of Tema, highlighting its strategic location and the impact of its port on trade and economic development in Ghana, and shedding light on the sewage management challenges faced by the city. She also provided much needed background and insights into post-colonial urban architectural planning in Ghana.

Complimenting her talk with PowerPoint presentations of rare maps and photographs, she took students back to the 1960s to see the marvel that was the Tema sewage system, constructed for the collection, transport and treatment of human excrete and grey water within the Tema Municipality under the management of the Tema Development Corporation.

The mare of the newly constructed treatment plant with its three pumping stations have since been shut down, and raw sewage is flowing through a bypass into the sea without treatment. This situation, she said, is very alarming and poses a great health hazard.

The design and construction was done by Doxiadis Associates of Greece and TS Clark.

“Interestingly, after World War II, there were lots of decolonizations in Asia, Africa and even South America. What was the post-war order about? The same companies that designed Tema actually designed cities in many of the colonies of the world…like Ghana that was going through decolonization.”

Drawing attention to the now-inadequate sewage infrastructure in Tema, Prof. Chalfin said the  city’s rapid growth is what has placed a strain on the system.

“The plan for Tema is similar to the plans in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Dhaka, and the sewage system  was designed like Los Angeles. And at the time [it was built], it was new technology. So how did we get here?” She quizzed.

She said the interest of development students should be in comprehending and documenting where the solutions are, since these infrastructures are vital things that we are dependent on for survival in our daily needs.

Prof. Chalfin said it was interesting to discover that Ashaiman, a neighboring community to Tema that did not enjoy the benefit of fore-planning, has found innovative ways to address its sewage management issues. She highlighted how Ashaiman successfully converts sewage waste into electricity, offering an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution to the problem. She wondered if this example could serve as a potential model for Tema and other urban areas facing similar challenges.

‘Waste Works: Vital Politics in Urban Ghana’ delves deeper into the intricate politics and power dynamics that shape urban development in Ghana. The book aims to shed light on the overlooked aspects of urban planning, including the impact on marginalized communities and the importance of sustainable waste management practices.

The professor’s insightful talk sparked engaging discussions among the audience, with students and faculty members actively participating in the dialogue on the importance of sewage management, urban development, and sustainable practices. The audience expressed their appreciation for Professor Chalfin’s research and her efforts to bring attention to the pressing issues faced by Tema and other urban areas in Ghana.

Ramatu, a final year Development Communication student wondered if Ghana is ready for Agenda 2030.

“We have to come up with new ways to maintain and improve our infrastructures if we are to meet the SDG deadlines.”

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 6.2 seeks to provide access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all and to end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of women, girls, and those in vulnerable situations.

Prof. Chalfin’s visit to AUCC serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address sewage management challenges in Tema and other Ghanaian urban centers. Her work provides a platform for dialogue and action, aiming to create a more sustainable and equitable future for urban communities in Ghana.