Research has shown that in Ghana, about 63% of the labour forces that work as scavengers of e-waste at Agbogboloshie are from the northern region. The situation of migrating from the northern part of the country to the southern sector to make ends meet is very serious. How do we bridge this gap? What do we need to do now to save our colleagues from migrating from the north to the south to make ends meet?
Last week, we visited Agbogbolshie to observe and interact with the people that work there. We had a nice time chatting with a few of our colleagues knowing how they operate and function, and how we can collaboratively work with them from the north.
We realised that to prevent the situation of E-waste and the youth migrating down south, there will be the need for the youth to be involved in the campaign of E-waste and how to dispose it off safely for a safe, and sound environment.
Moreover, we believe that by providing jobs for the youth here, that is by establishing recycling facilities and employing young individuals to work in the collection and sound recycling of E-waste, will help prevent them from migrating to the south.
At AppCyclers, we are on a mission to reduce the amount of E-waste from the environment, through advocating on the adoption of the 3R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle), and using innovative collection mechanisms to collect E-waste. The long-term vision of AppCyclers is to become a trusted and leading E-waste management company in Ghana and Africa at large. In terms of Sustainable Development Goals, (SDGs), we aim at addressing goal 11 (Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable), goal 12 (Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), goal 3 (Good health and Well Being), goal 8 (Decent Work), and goal 17 (Driving Sustainable Growth through Partnerships).
We cannot do this alone, to make this dream a reality, but with your support, through dropping off your electronic waste at AppCyclers or request for pick-up of your E-waste today. We are also open to strategic partnership from various organizations, with this, we would be able to make the world a better a place.