Sewerage Systems Ghana

Description

The Accra Demonstration Case, implemented by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Sewerage Systems Ghana Limited (SSGL), aimed to demonstrate the viability of two water-smart solutions:

1. Water Reuse: Treated wastewater from SSGL's Mudor Treatment Plant was used to irrigate vegetables at a CSIR demonstration site. Monitoring focused on the quantity and quality of the wastewater, soil, and vegetables, including physico-chemical characteristics, microbiological parameters (E. coli, Vibrio), and heavy metal content. Results indicated that the treated wastewater was safe for irrigation, and the vegetables produced were of good quality and met safety standards.

2. Biochar Production: SSGL produced biochar from a composite of fecal sludge and sawdust (2:1 ratio). This biochar was provided to 15 SMEs for trial use as a fuel alternative to wood charcoal. Monitoring assessed the biochar's quality (calorific value, moisture content, ash content, etc.), its burning characteristics, and the associated air emissions (CO, PM2.5) during its use in uncontrolled cooking tests. Results showed the biochar was a high-quality fuel with environmental and health benefits. 

The overall objective was to demonstrate the feasibility and benefits of these symbiotic solutions for sustainable resource management and business development in Ghana.

What the case study is about

Sectors: Water, agriculture, and SMEs using wood-based charcoal (various sectors)

End - users: Public and private sectors for agriculture, and for replacement for charcoal in heating

Scale & capacity: 

Plant has capacity of treating 18,000m3 per day of municipal wastewater

Under demonstration, 20-30m3/day of treated water will be transported for farmers’ use; and 500-1000kg/day of biochar will be produced