Ghana seeks to formalize electronic waste recycling

In Accra, Ghana, thousands of people depend directly or indirectly on processing old electronics. While much of this e-waste arrives illegally in Africa despite export bans—often labeled as functional second-hand goods—it serves as a vital source of income. Workers repair devices, use them for spare parts, or dismantle them to extract valuable raw materials like copper, aluminum, and gold.

The global e-waste crisis is significant; UN data indicates that approximately 62 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated in 2022, with only about one-fifth being properly collected and recycled. Germany faces similar challenges, having released a record 3.4 million tonnes of new electronic devices in 2025, yet officially collecting only around 960,000 tonnes of old devices.

Efforts are underway in Ghana to transition these recycling practices toward cleaner methods. The goal is to allow traders to maintain their livelihoods without resorting to burning cables or uncontrolled pollutant disposal, which causes severe environmental and health damage.