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Toward a More Sustainable Trajectory for E-Waste Policy: A Review of a Decade of E-Waste Research in Accra, Ghana

Author

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  • Kurt Daum

    (Department of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA)

  • Justin Stoler

    (Department of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
    Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, FL 33136, USA
    Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA)

  • Richard J. Grant

    (Department of Geography and Regional Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
    Department of Geography, Environment Management, and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, 2006, South Africa)

Abstract

Global flows of e-waste from the Global North to the Global South continue to damage local environments and harm human health. Weak e-waste regulations and limited use of safety measures for e-waste workers in Accra, Ghana, foster an exploitative environment within the industry, and pose health risks for those working and living near e-waste processing sites. This paper presents an integrated review of over 40 e-waste studies specific to Accra, with particular emphasis on the well-studied e-waste processing site in Agbogbloshie, and synthesizes the existing research base across interdisciplinary themes of human health, environmental health, globalization, trade and informalization, and public policy. Despite significant international attention to Accra’s e-waste problem, loopholes within international environmental regulations and treaties provide few incentives and resources for Ghana to strengthen protections for human and environmental health. After a decade of e-waste research in Accra, the crisis continues to intensify; we present a renewed vision for sustainable e-waste policy reform in Ghana and beyond.

Suggested Citation

  • Kurt Daum & Justin Stoler & Richard J. Grant, 2017. "Toward a More Sustainable Trajectory for E-Waste Policy: A Review of a Decade of E-Waste Research in Accra, Ghana," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:2:p:135-:d:89098
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nnorom, I.C. & Osibanjo, O., 2008. "Overview of electronic waste (e-waste) management practices and legislations, and their poor applications in the developing countries," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 52(6), pages 843-858.
    2. Kwasi Owusu Boadi & Markku Kuitunen, 2002. "Urban Waste Pollution in the Korle Lagoon, Accra, Ghana," Environment Systems and Decisions, Springer, vol. 22(4), pages 301-309, December.
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