Transferability Workshop and Summer School, Ghana 2024

The Transferability Workshop took place on July 8, 2024. This event brought together students from Ghana, Ethiopia, and Germany to share ideas directly with stakeholders in Ghana's waste management sector. The workshop kicked off with a presentation on the SuCCESS24 project activities, including the current state of waste management in Ethiopia, the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment Method developed for Ethiopia, and the SDG-based Excel tool in development for the Ethiopian context.

Participants were then tasked with designing a material flow analysis for Ghana, identifying key processes and stakeholders in the Ghanaian waste management system, and assessing the suitability of the indicators used. Through extensive and detailed discussions, the workshop highlighted the differences between the waste management systems of Ghana and Ethiopia. These insights served as a foundation for the subsequent summer school.

We extend our gratitude to Professor Oteng-Ababio for organizing the workshop and to all participants for their valuable input and discussions. The workshop was a learning opportunity for everyone involved, and it has energized us for the summer school ahead.

The SuCCESS24 summer school provided a comprehensive overview of waste management challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana and Ethiopia. The course explored into waste characterization and design, policy frameworks, and the critical role of the informal sector. Through interactive sessions, including case studies and group projects, the students gained a deep understanding of waste management systems and the potential for circular economy solutions.

The program culminated in group projects focused on integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into waste management strategies. By utilizing life cycle assessment tools and conducting material flow analyses, the students developed innovative approaches to address waste-related issues in the developing country.

Field visits to waste management facilities in Ghana, such as the Adipa landfill and Agbogbloshie e-waste site, offered the actual insights into the complex realities of waste disposal and recycling. These experiences, coupled with classroom learning, enabled the students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges and develop practical solutions.

ADIPA LANDFILL VISIT: A STEP TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE WASTE MANAGEMENT

During the SuCCESS24 Summer School, our group had the opportunity to visit the Adipa Landfill in Nsawam, Ghana on Saturday, 13^th July, 2024. This experience provided valuable insights into the waste management practices in the region and highlighted the potential for improvement.

Key Takeaways:

• The Adipa Landfill serves as a crucial waste management facility for the surrounding communities (Greater Accra Region), demonstrating the importance of waste disposal infrastructure. 
• More than 700 t of waste are daily processed and a variety of jobs are created by this facility.
• The site presents an opportunity for implementing innovative waste segregation and sorting techniques, paving the way for recycling and composting initiatives.
• The proximity of the landfill to residential areas and water sources underscores the need for sustainable waste management practices, encouraging the development of environmentally friendly solutions.

Opportunities for Growth:

• Implementing modern waste management technologies and infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
• Developing public awareness and education programs to promote waste reduction, segregation, and recycling.
• Exploring partnerships and collaborations to support sustainable waste management initiatives and share best practices.
• Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in waste management, driving economic growth and job creation.

THE AGBOBLOSHIE WE KNOW

On Tuesday, July 16th, 2024, our team embarked on a field trip to Agbogbloshie, a sprawling recycling center for electronic and metal waste in Ghana. As we arrived at the site, the sheer scale of the waste management operations became apparent. We took a short hike from the entrance to the heart of the site, where waste is collected, sorted, sold, and burned. The air was thick with the smell of smoke, metal, and plastic. During our visit, we observed a range of activities that highlighted the complexity of the waste management ecosystem at Agbogbloshie. We saw individuals bringing in waste materials to sell, while others came to sort and purchase items, mainly spare parts. The site was a hub of commercial activity, with people seeking to extract value from discarded materials.

We witnessed workers carefully sorting metals and loading them onto large trucks for transportation to factories like Aluworks for processing. This aspect of the operation highlighted the potential for responsible waste management and recycling. However, it was juxtaposed with more informal recycling practices, where inhabitants were melting down metals, primarily aluminum, to create cooking utensils, ovens, and other artifacts. Perhaps most alarming was the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) among workers. While a few individuals wore gloves and masks, many others did not, exposing them to significant risks of injury and infection. This lack of protection underscored the need for improved working conditions and safety protocols at the site.

Nontheless, the site left us impressed by the ingenuity and variety of ideas for turning waste into new resources using the simplest and at the same time brilliant means.

The SuCCESS24 summer school on sustainable waste management held in Accra, Ghana was a vibrant intercultural collaboration, bringing together participants from Addis Ababa University, the University of Ghana, and the University of Stuttgart. The program schedule comprised academic lectures, group work, field trips, and delight stints which consent to dialogue and collaborations among students and professionals to enrich cultural understanding and create opportunities for progress and novelties.

Events showcasing Ghanaian live music, dance, and hospitality bring the community composed and shared meals offering a delightful exploration of diverse culinary traditions, sparking engaging conservations about ingredients, preparation methods, and the cultural significance of food. Moreover, Ethiopians with rich traditions, a unique language (Ge’ez), including distinctive cousins such as injera served with wot, together with Ghanaian Jollof rice, plantain, and Fufu serene with international students from the University of Stuttgart having diverse backgrounds, leads to lifelong friendships, professional networks, mutual understanding, and respect.

Furthermore, visits to historical places like the Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park offered a tangible connection to Ghanaian rich heritage, fostering discussion about the nation’s journey towards independence and the broader context of African history. This intercultural immersion extended beyond the confines of the classroom, leaving a lasting impact on participants’ personal and professional lives. It was a testament to the belief that through shared experiences and open dialogue, we can create a more interconnected and sustainable world.