Livelihoods in risk: Exploring health and environmental implications of e-waste recycling as a livelihood strategy in Ghana

Ebenezer Forkuo Amankwaa

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

45 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ghana's pursuit of socio-economic growth has necessitated joining the information communication technology (ICT) revolution, thus increasing the consumption and obsolescence rate of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and the creation of what is popularly called e-waste. The absence of legislation governing its importation and disposal, combined with the dynamics of Accra's urban economy, including neo-liberal policies and lack of formal job opportunities, has triggered people's ingenuity to engage in novel occupations such as e-waste recycling. Though a lucrative strategy, it comes with a price for those involved: environmental health risks, a fact well articulated by a burgeoning literature. Nevertheless, little empirical evidence exists relating to this perceived relationship. Using questionnaires, FGDs and in-depth interviews, this study fills the lacuna. The findings reveal that the mean daily income of an e-waste worker is GH¢30, far above the daily minimum wage of GH¢4·48. Despite the positives, the findings also show that the environment and health can be compromised.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)551-575
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of Modern African Studies
Volume51
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

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