Assessment of the Health and Safety Culture at the E-Waste Facilities at the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area of Ghana

Louis Dogbatsey, Alex Owusu Barima, Rebecca Yandam and Cyril Schandorf
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Louis Dogbatsey: Department of Geography, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
Alex Owusu Barima: Department of Geography, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana
Rebecca Yandam: Institute for Environmental and Sanitation Studies, University of Ghana
Cyril Schandorf: School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, Department of Nuclear and Security, University of Ghana, Legon, Ghana

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2024, vol. 8, issue 5, 530-542

Abstract: E-waste management remains a critical environmental and health issue, especially in developing regions like Ghana, where lax regulations and inadequate disposal methods exacerbate the risks associated with hazardous waste from discarded electronics. This research focuses on the e-waste management practices in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, assessing the effectiveness of existing protocols at two e-waste management facilities and three recycling facilities. The study evaluates their compliance with both national and international health and environmental standards through a series of questionnaires targeting operational, health, and safety procedures. Our findings reveal significant gaps in health and safety policies, emergency preparedness, and quality management systems across these facilities, which can lead to serious health risks and environmental degradation. Despite the presence of regulatory frameworks, enforcement is weak, and practices are inconsistently applied, leading to substantial variations in the management of e-waste. The study highlights the profound disparities between the intended regulations under the Basel Convention and their practical implementation, particularly in developing countries. This research underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in policy and practice to enhance health and safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability of e-waste management in Ghana. Detailed analysis of current situation indicates that there are shortcomings in the area of health and safety policy and implementation framework, quality management system and emergency preparedness and response, stakeholder engagement and regulatory oversight and enforcement. Recommendations provided are aimed at informing policymakers and e-waste management facilities intended to contribute towards the development of a robust management strategies that align with global standards and address local needs.

Date: 2024
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