Cleaners’ Perspective of Littering Behaviour of Students in a Ghanaian University Context: A Case Study of Nyankpala Campus of University for Development Studies

Abstract

The study ascertained the cleaners’ perspective of littering behaviour of students in the Nyankpala Campus of the University for Development Studies. A total of 20 cleaners were randomly selected and questionnaires were administered in the various facilities they clean on the Nyankpala Campus. Data collection strategies included observation and face-to-face interviews with cleaners and their supervisors. The study revealed that 90% of the respondents submitted that the streets and surroundings were dirty and students were the major culprits in terms of littering on the Campus. They believed that cleaners are employed and they are required to always be around to clean the environment at all times. Most of the respondents suggested the need for a comprehensive waste management strategy that can help reduce littering and garbage on the campus. Respondents recommended that the institution should impose fines on culprits as a way to stop the littering on the Campus. The study revealed littering is a behavioural problem on the Nyankpala Campus. It is recommended that University Management and students’ leaders should provide adequate waste bins on the campus, especially at vantage points with notes to encourage cleanliness. This will encourage the culture of cleanliness and shared responsibility of safeguarding the environment.