Stakeholder-driven assessment of optimal waste-to-energy plant selection in the Tamale metropolitan area using the analytical hierarchy process

Abstract

The Tamale Metropolitan Area in Northern Ghana faces growing challenges in municipal solid waste management and energy supply due to rapid urbanization and limited infrastructure. Environmentally sustainable and socially acceptable waste-to-energy (WtE) solutions offer a potential pathway to address these interconnected issues. This study evaluates the most suitable WtE technology for Tamale by incorporating stakeholder perspectives through a structured decision-making framework using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). Four technologies, incineration, gasification, landfill gas recovery (LFG), and anaerobic digestion (AD) were assessed against environmental, economic, technical, and social criteria by municipal officials, environmental specialists, private sector actors, and community representatives. Results indicate that AD is the consistently preferred option, largely due to its environmental benefits, capacity to manage biodegradable waste, social acceptability, and potential for job creation. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of this preference, except when economic considerations dominate decision-making, where LFG becomes favorable. The findings highlight AD as a balanced, inclusive, and resilient WtE solution for Tamale, providing actionable guidance for local authorities, policymakers, and development partners seeking to implement community-supported, low-carbon energy strategies in urban centers across Sub-Saharan Africa.