GLOBAL NORTH - SOUTH RELATIONS TOWARDS THE E-WASTE CRISIS IN GHANA

Abstract

Global electronic waste (e-waste) flows reveal an unequal or asymmetrical relationship between countries in the Global North and countries in the Global South. Ghana is one of the main destinations for e-waste from Europe and America, even though its contribution to global e-waste production is relatively small. This study aims to analyze how the Global North–Global South relationship is reflected in the practice of e-waste disposal in Ghana and to examine the resulting social, economic, and environmental impacts.
This study uses a qualitative approach with literature review and document analysis methods. The results show that the flow of e-waste to Ghana is influenced by global economic inequality, differences in waste management costs, and weak implementation of environmental regulations in the destination country. Through the perspective of Environmental Justice, this study shows that the e-waste crisis in Ghana is a form of structural environmental injustice. Global North countries reap economic benefits, while the environmental and social impacts are borne by Global South countries. This study emphasizes that the issue of e-waste cannot be separated from global power relations and international environmental justice issues.