Stories and facts

Agbogbloshie began as a humble wetland along Accra’s Korle Lagoon before evolving into a bustling informal settlement known as Old Fadama during the 1960s. The area became a refuge for many displaced individuals, particularly those fleeing conflicts in northern Ghana throughout the 1980s.

Over time, it grew into a vital trading center, renowned for its onion and tomato markets that supported Accra’s expanding population. This vibrant community attracted thousands of economic migrants, forming a dense neighborhood that largely operated beyond formal oversight.

By the late 1990s and early 2000s, the character of Agbogbloshie shifted dramatically amid a global rise in demand for second-hand electronics.

The area became a major hub for discarded electronic goods, many arriving from developed countries under the pretense of donations or repairable items. Informal workers, mostly young men from northern Ghana, began dismantling and burning these devices to recover valuable metals.

This shift transformed Agbogbloshie from a food market into one of the world’s most infamous e-waste processing sites, often described as a “digital dumping ground” by international observers.

While the community demonstrated remarkable resilience and economic vitality, the environmental and health consequences were severe. Toxic fumes from burning cables polluted the air, soil, and water, exposing residents and workers to hazardous substances.

In response to mounting local and international concern, the government undertook a contentious demolition and relocation effort in 2021 aimed at restoring the area.

Today, Agbogbloshie stands as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by informal economies, rapid urban growth, and the urgent need for responsible e-waste management in an increasingly digital world.

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