Emmanuel Akatire, a 20-year-old man from Ghana, is connected to us through the minerals in our discarded electronic devices. He is one of the many individuals making a living by sorting through electronic waste in Accra’s landfills. This global phenomenon raises questions about our technology consumption and the impact on communities like Emmanuel’s.
Electronic waste weighing 62 million tons is generated annually worldwide, with a significant portion ending up in countries like Ghana. The now-demolished Agbogbloshie landfill in Accra was once the largest e-waste dump globally, highlighting the complex path of electronic garbage and the legal issues surrounding its disposal. Despite the risks and environmental consequences, the e-waste industry provides both challenges and opportunities for individuals like Emmanuel, urging us to reconsider our relationship with technology for a more sustainable future.
