In Accra, Ghana, the Agbogbloshie waste dump has become a focal point of environmental and health crises, as hundreds of tonnes of refuse accumulate, threatening the well-being of the surrounding community.
Despite a lack of specific studies linking diseases to the pollution, epidemiologist Reginald Quansah from the University of Ghana emphasizes that the overall contamination raises serious concerns. An acrid haze envelops the district where thousands work to salvage scrap metals and electronics from mountains of waste.
The dump site, located near the Korle Lagoon, serves an area densely populated with around 80,000 residents, many of whom are migrants engaged in scrap trading. For instance, James Hassan, a 31-year-old Liberian immigrant and scrap dealer, works in harsh conditions without protective gear, resulting in chronic skin issues and respiratory problems which he regards as normal.
Health experts warn that workers are exposed to toxic substances from the waste, leading to potential long-term health risks. The situation is compounded by the substantial amounts of second-hand clothing imported into Ghana, much of which ends up as ‘dead waste’ that contributes to the pollution problem.
Greenpeace estimates that each week, 15 million used garments enter the country, with around half being discarded improperly after traders extract sellable items. This waste, containing predominantly petrochemical fibers, poses severe environmental risks, releasing harmful chemicals when burnt.
The local fishing and farming communities are also at risk, with contamination from the dump affecting the food chain. In response to the crisis, Ghanaian President John Mahama has initiated a cleanup effort to remove approximately one million tonnes of waste, hoping to formalize waste management processes and create sustainable job opportunities.
However, many workers express skepticism about the promises of improved conditions, as changes take time and current health threats remain urgent.
