Report By: Ishmael Barfi
In a bid to address the growing concern of electronic waste pollution in Accra, the Minister of Environment, Science, and Technology, (MEST) Hon. Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, has engaged scrap dealers at Agbogbloshie to find sustainable solutions.
The minister’s visit to the site revealed that many scrap dealers were no longer willing to bring their e-waste to the designated collection center, despite the incentives provided.
During his interaction with the dealers, Hon. Murtala Mohammed discovered that their primary concern was the inadequacy of the incentives compared to what they earn elsewhere.
Some scrap dealers at the Agbogbloshie site
To address this, the minister announced plans to establish a committee, chaired by the Chief Director of the ministry, to review the incentive structure and ensure it encourages proper disposal practices.
This move is part of the government’s efforts to tackle the challenges of e-waste disposal in Accra.
The city’s Agbogbloshie scrap metal site has become notorious for its informal e-waste recycling practices, which pose significant environmental and health risks to workers and nearby communities.
Hon. Murtala Mohammed’s initiative aims to promote sustainable e-waste management practices and reduce the environmental impacts of informal recycling activities.
Hon. Murtala Mohammed interacting with the Accra Scrap Dealers Association leadership
By reviewing the incentive structure and encouraging proper disposal practices, the government hopes to mitigate the risks associated with e-waste pollution and promote a cleaner, healthier environment for Accra’s residents.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
