From Waste to Resource: Assessing Governance Models for Implementing Circular Economy Principles in Urban Water and Nutrient Management in Ghana

Abstract

The shift from linear to circular economy systems is critical for sustainable water and nutrient management, particularly in developing countries such as Ghana. This paper explores governance models shaping the implementation of circular economy principles, state-regulated, collaborative, public-private, community-based, and adaptive, through a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2018 and 2025. The review was conducted using databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, applying inclusion criteria focused on governance frameworks in circular economy transitions. Findings reveal that state-regulated frameworks, including Ghana’s National Plastics Management Policy and Circular Economy Roadmap, provide essential direction but face weak enforcement and limited financing. Collaborative platforms like the Waste Recovery Platform and Circular Bio-Economy Innovation Hub foster innovation but require long-term financial sustainability. Public-private partnerships mobilize investment but risk political interference and limited transparency, while community-led initiatives enhance legitimacy but often lack safety and technical integration with formal systems. Adaptive governance emerges as the most promising model, offering flexibility through integrated tools and monitoring mechanisms. The paper concludes that Ghana’s transition to a circular economy will require stronger state enforcement, sustainable financing mechanisms for collaborative platforms, transparent regulatory safeguards for public-private projects, formal recognition and training for community actors, and the adoption of adaptive monitoring frameworks. These targeted recommendations strengthen the policy and institutional pathways for sustainable resource management in Ghana.