The delegation at GreenAd formal recycling center.
Agbogbloshie, one of West Africa’s largest electronic waste sites, processes an estimated 150,000 tons of discarded electronics each year, much of it through open burning and informal recycling. Studies have shown that soil and air samples from the area contain lead concentrations up to 100 times higher than international safety limits, exposing residents, especially children, to severe health risks.
Pure Earth Ghana, in collaboration with Green Advocacy Ghana (GreenAd), hosted the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana on a visit to the GreenAd recycling center and the Agbogbloshie e-waste site in Accra. The tour offered a firsthand view of the ongoing challenges in e-waste management and the collaborative actions being taken to mitigate toxic pollution and promote safer recycling practices.
Rev. Dr. Esmond Quansah introducing the team to the Australian High Commissioner
At the GreenAd facility, Mr. Amoyaw-Osei, Executive Director of GreenAd, welcomed the delegation and shared the organization’s journey since 2007 as a pioneer in organized e-waste collection and recycling. He acknowledged the technical support provided by Pure Earth Ghana and other partners, which has strengthened GreenAd’s operations and its capacity to engage communities and recyclers.
Despite progress, Mr. Amoyaw-Osei pointed to persistent challenges including unregulated site access, limited funding, and continuing open burning, which undermine public health and environmental gains. He emphasized the need for stronger government commitment and donor collaboration to scale up safe recycling solutions across Ghana.
Mr. Amoyaw-Osei, Executive Director, GreenAd highlight a brief history of the e-waste sector in GH
Pure Earth Ghana Reaffirms Commitment to Action
Rev. Dr. Esmond Quansah, Regional Program Director of Pure Earth, underscored the urgency of addressing toxic pollution in Agbogbloshie, referencing findings from Pure Earth’s Blood Lead Level studies which revealed dangerously high lead exposure in children living near e-waste hotspots.
He highlighted the ongoing work under Pure Earth Ghana’s Coalition Against Lead Pollution (CALP) project, which raises public awareness about the risks of lead exposure and promotes multi-sectoral action to protect vulnerable populations. Rev. Dr. Quansah called for increased funding, stronger enforcement, and sustained inter-agency coordination to protect communities and formalize Ghana’s recycling sector.
Rev. Dr. Esmond Quansah together with H.E Berenice Owen-Jones
Australian High Commissioner Commends Local Efforts
Her Excellency Berenice Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner expressed concern over the health and environmental risks posed by informal e-waste practices and commended Pure Earth Ghana and GreenAd for their leadership in advancing safer recycling models. She reaffirmed the Australian High Commission’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s transition toward effective, environmentally responsible e-waste management.
Her Excellency noted that while the informal recycling sector provides livelihoods for many, it must evolve into a safer and more sustainable system that protects both people and the planet.
Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Berenice Owen-Jones.
The delegation toured GreenAd’s processing yard, where structured dismantling and recycling are carried out safely, and later visited sections of the Agbogbloshie scrap site, where open burning of cables and informal dismantling persist. The visit highlighted both the progress achieved through formal partnerships and the urgent need for continued education, enforcement, and investment to eliminate unsafe practices.
The visit concluded with a shared commitment among Pure Earth Ghana, GreenAd, and the Australian High Commission to strengthen collaboration, mobilize resources, and expand advocacy to reduce lead exposure and toxic pollution. Together, the partners aim to build a future where economic opportunity and environmental health go hand in hand.
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