**6. Conclusion**

The mean characteristics of wastewater produced during the peak season were generally higher than the lean season except for pH and solids (total and suspended). Irrespective of the production season, the wastewater was characterized by slowly biodegradable organic matter (COD: BOD5 = 2.5–2.6). Wastewater from clarification had higher solids and nutrient content but lower oxygen-consuming compounds compared with wastewater from boiling. The current practice of disposing raw wastewater into the natural environment by the small-scale processing mills is negatively affecting the environment. Based on the characteristics of the wastewater and the tropical climatic conditions in Ghana, appropriate technologies that generate beneficial by-products such as biogas, compost or solid fuel must be explored. Enforcement of environmental regulations by the Ghana EPA should be extended to the small-scale (cottage) industries to ensure adoption of appropriate wastewater management technologies. Additional studies are needed in other palm oil production regions of Ghana to generate national-level data. This will guide the development of a compendium of wastewater treatment technologies applicable to small-scale processing mills in Ghana.
