Switzerland has given Ghana $1.3million to improve its electronic waste management.
The money would be used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement a three-year programme to build the capacity of artisan groups.
The agency is also expected to formulate national standards to guide the recycling of e-waste with minimum effect on the environment and artisans.
a programme is to be rolled out to put an end to the e-waste menace at Agbogbloshie, which has become a dumping site for e-waste.
An agreement to effect the receipt of the grant was signed between the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Switzerland government in Accra.
Background
Ghana faces a rising tide of e-waste generated by the domestic consumption of new and second-hand electronic equipment.
Although the majority of imported equipment is destined for re–use after testing and repair, there are significant volumes that prove unsuitable for re-use and further add to local e-waste generation.
Minister
According to the Minister of MESTI, Dr Joe Oteng-Adjei, e-waste management in the country is a challenge.
“The artisans in the e-waste recycling industry generally use unsustainable methods, which seriously endanger their health and pollute the soil, air and water bodies nearby,” he said.
Therefore, he said-it was important to train the artisans in order for them to understand the negative aspects of the e-waste.
With the support given by the Swiss government, Dr Oteng-Adjei said, the programme would help to properly regulate the sector and ensure the safety of the dealers and the environment.
He thanked the Swiss government for the gesture and pledged to ensure that the fund was put to meaningful use.
State Secretary
The Swiss State Secretary, Mrs Marie -Gabrielle Inechen-Fleisch, said the support to Ghana formed part of the co-operation between the two countries, adding that Switzerland had experts in managing e-waste.
Source: Daily Graphic
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