IMPORTATION OF SECOND HAND ELECTRONIC DEVICES BREEDING MORE ELECTRONIC WASTE.

 AUTHOR: Precious Dinam Mbataah

 The importation of second-hand electronic devices popularly known as home used appliances is major drive for the generation of electronic waste. Ghana has become the favorite destination for the importation of substandard and energy-guzzling TV sets, fridges, washing machines, rice cookers and air conditioners etc. Most second-hand electronic devices have reduced life span and can last some months or a year because they are near the end of usable life. The situation of electronic waste (e-waste) in Ghana has become dire and poses significant environmental and health risks. The country is a major destination for e-waste, largely due to illegal imports from developed nations such as European countries, the United States, and Australia. Each year, Ghana imports approximately 150,000 tons of second-hand electronics, contributing to the growing e-waste problem."

Source: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), "E-waste in Ghana.

The parliament of Ghana passed a law in 2023 to ban the importation of second-hand electronics to minimize the rate of waste electronic appliances in the country. Most dealers of these second-hand electronics find devious ways to still import these used appliances to the country. Some dealers pay their way off to bring the goods into the country. Others also give a wrong description of the goods. For example, they can describe used kettles and irons as kitchen wards. They are mostly seen around Tema and Lapaz roads. However, most  of them arrive in the country spoiled and of no use, because which they do not dispose of them properly because of the limited E-waste disposal and recycling centers. Most of them argue that it is their means of survival, especially in this current economic crisis.

The myth that most of the home-used appliances are better and better quality than the newly made electric appliances has captured most Ghanaians' mindset, notwithstanding the negativity that comes with the use of secondhand electronics. In an interview with some Ghanaians, they stated they were cheap and some last longer than the new ones, so they prefer to buy one rather than waste a lot of money on buying new ones. In as much as it is their means of survival, and cheaper for some Ghanaians to purchase, we can’t allow them to continue to import these home-used appliances to the country and make them a hub for electronic waste disposal.