Carmignac photojournalism award: Ghana and e-waste
Photojournalists documented the e-waste trade from Europe to Ghana, revealing economic opportunities and significant environmental risks. The investigation calls for stricter regulations to manage hazardous waste effectively.
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Photojournalists Muntaka Chasant and Bénédicte Kurzen, along with journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, have documented the flow of electronic waste (e-waste) from Europe to Ghana, highlighting the complexities of this trade. According to the UN's Global E-Waste Monitor, 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated globally in 2022, with projections of 82 million tonnes by 2030. Ghana, known for its political stability, is increasingly becoming a destination for this waste, often in violation of international treaties. The investigation reveals that while the e-waste economy provides economic opportunities for many in Ghana, it also poses significant environmental and health risks.
The team explored the informal markets in both Ghana and Europe, uncovering a network of second-hand electronics trade. In Germany, for instance, exporters gather used appliances at flea markets, which are then shipped to Ghana. In Accra, the e-waste workers, including pickers like Emmanuel Akatire, sort through discarded materials to recover valuable metals. The investigation also critiques the inefficiencies of European e-waste regulations and the lack of proper recycling facilities in Ghana.
Anas emphasized the need for stricter legislation to manage hazardous waste, as the current system is fraught with criminal activities. The findings challenge negative stereotypes about Ghana and underscore the necessity for better management of e-waste to protect both the environment and public health while supporting economic livelihoods.
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