A Critical Examination of Global Environmental Hazard of E-waste and Its Threat to Human Security: a Case Study of Agbogbloshie E-waste Dumpsite Ghana
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The primary aim of this research is to investigate the global environmental hazard of E-waste on human security. Specifically, the study will;
- Investigate whether relevant Ghanaian authorities made any effort in implementing the key international convention on e-waste, the Basel Convention and managing the growing menace of e-waste in the country.
- To investigate the current situation of the e-waste problem at the Agbogbloshie e- waste dumpsite.
- To investigate the effect global hazard of e-waste has had on the people at Agbogbloshie e-waste dump site and its immediate environs.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEWED OF RELATED LITERATURE
E‑waste handling in developed countries
Developing countries in general lack ofcially prescribed E-waste recycling processes which opens market opportunities to private recycling frms to collect E-waste directly from consumers and subsequently process it using “backyard recycling” schemes which are both environmentally hazardous and highly risky in terms of data security and protection. Developed countries such as those in the European Union (EU), Japan and USA have very well-developed E-waste recycling policies (Namias 2013; Li et al. 2015); advances made in the recycling processes and the transparency of the recycling process control provide excellent role models for developing countries to follow. Baldé (2015) highlights the techniques for proper collection, pre-processing and recycling of E-waste worldwide; the study shows that developed countries are more advanced in this process than developing countries though both stand to improve in this regard. All previous literature indicates that even though developed countries are yet to achieve prescribed strategic targets in the E-waste management, they are more advanced and strides ahead of developing countries (Premalatha et al. 2014; Ghosh et al. 2016). In terms of success in handling the E-waste issue, there are a few success stories in the developing countries, while the developed countries such as South Korea have had regulations on E-waste as far back as 1992 with proper government and private sector initiatives to tackle E-waste (Jang 2010). Developing countries lag far behind in terms of developing e-waste recycling solutions, although in the Euro-Mediterranean zone, some countries such as Tunisia have started to develop systems for E-waste management and recycling. In fact, Tunisia setup a cooperation agreement with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for E-waste management and includes building a recycling plant with a total capacity of 24,000 tons annually. According to Tunisian National Agency for waste management (ANGed), the estimated E-waste generated in Tunisia is around 90,000 tons while only 25% are covered by the governmental collection plans (SWEEPNET/GIZ 2014). National policies and regulation regarding E-waste are still needed as current regulations target waste in general (Seitz 2014), especially in terms of encouraging the involvement of private operators. Morocco as another example where the E-waste management is in its early stages with initiatives to collect computers, fx, and re-distribute to rural areas. Other initiatives include take-back systems set in place by some companies. Even though the economic and environmental values of E-waste can help these countries’ economies yet the developing countries have to setup the policies, procedures, regulation and infrastructure for proper E-waste management and recycling (Seitz 2014).
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain Critical Examination Of Global Environmental Hazard Of E-Waste And Its Threat To Human Security: A Case Study Of Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dumpsite Ghana. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing Critical Examination Of Global Environmental Hazard Of E-Waste And Its Threat To Human Security: A Case Study Of Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dumpsite Ghana
Summary
This study was on Critical Examination Of Global Environmental Hazard Of E-Waste And Its Threat To Human Security: A Case Study Of Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dumpsite Ghana. Three objectives were raised which included: Investigate whether relevant Ghanaian authorities made any effort in implementing the key international convention on e-waste, the Basel Convention and managing the growing menace of e-waste in the country, To investigate the current situation of the e-waste problem at the Agbogbloshie e- waste dumpsite and to investigate the effect global hazard of e-waste has had on the people at Agbogbloshie e-waste dump site and its immediate environs.. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from Agbogbloshie E-Waste Dumpsite Ghana. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The study has provided a critical examination of the global environmental hazard of e-waste and its profound threat to human security, with a specific focus on the Agbogbloshie e-waste dumpsite in Ghana. It is evident that e-waste poses significant challenges to both the environment and human health, particularly in informal recycling hubs like Agbogbloshie, where improper handling and disposal practices result in severe pollution and health risks. The environmental degradation caused by e-waste contamination, including soil, water, and air pollution, exacerbates existing environmental issues and undermines sustainable development efforts. Furthermore, the adverse health effects of e-waste exposure, ranging from respiratory illnesses to neurological disorders, disproportionately affect the livelihoods and well-being of vulnerable populations living and working in close proximity to e-waste sites.
Recommendations:
Based on the findings of the study, the following recommendations are proposed to address the global environmental hazard of e-waste and mitigate its threat to human security, with a focus on the Agbogbloshie e-waste dumpsite in Ghana:
- Enhance national and local regulations governing e-waste management to ensure proper disposal, recycling, and treatment of electronic waste, including the enforcement of environmental standards and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance.
- Encourage the formalization of e-waste recycling activities through capacity-building initiatives, technical training programs, and the establishment of regulated recycling facilities equipped with environmentally sound technologies to minimize environmental pollution and health risks.
- Launch public awareness campaigns and educational programs to increase awareness about the environmental and health hazards of e-waste, promote responsible consumption and disposal habits, and empower communities, particularly informal recyclers, with knowledge and skills to safely handle electronic waste.
- Foster community-led initiatives and partnerships that prioritize the involvement of local residents, waste pickers, and informal recyclers in decision-making processes, capacity-building efforts, and income-generating activities aimed at improving livelihoods and reducing poverty in e-waste-affected communities.
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