Strategies for Carbon Neutrality Achievement: A Case Study of WWTP Стратегии достижения углеродной нейтральности: пример очистных сооружений сточных вод (WWTP) Көміртектік бейтараптыққа қол жеткізу стратегиялары: ағынды суларды тазарту құрылыстарының (WWTP) мысалы

Wastewater treatment plays a significant role in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ghana, generating 49.2% of methane (CH₄) and 90.5% of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions, as documented in the Fifth National GHG Inventory (2019). Despite this, only 5% of urban areas possess operational treatment facilities, illustrating critical infrastructure deficits (Arthur et al., 2020). This review identifies emission drivers such as nitrifier denitrification, abiotic reactions, and fugitive CH₄, revealing substantial accounting discrepancies that contribute to uncertainties in GHG reporting. Mitigation pathways are explored, including thermal hydrolysis-enhanced anaerobic digestion and anammox-based nitrogen removal strategies, emphasizing the importance of real-time monitoring and the implementation of hybrid IPCC frameworks. Knowledge gaps regarding N₂O dynamics and emerging technologies are highlighted. By aligning with international standards, the findings aim to guide wastewater treatment managers in mitigating emissions and transitioning facilities into sustainable bio-refineries, enhancing urban sustainability in Ghana and beyond