GIZ integrates first female Scrap Dealer Association into SMIDO

The market in Kumasi was established in response to a ban on spare part imports in the 1990s. It now covers over 200 acres and employs around 15,000 workers. These workers specialize in dismantling end-of-life vehicles, recycling plastic waste, and trading electronic scraps.

Female scrap workers are among the most vulnerable in this sector. They work in a male-dominated environment with less bargaining power. Often, they are excluded from discussions about pricing, safety, and training despite their important roles.

To address these issues, the German Development Cooperation has partnered with the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology. For five years, they have worked to enhance environmental awareness among women in scrap. They introduced safety standards for scrap yards and provided necessary training.

In 2023, this collaboration led to the launch of the Ladies in E-Waste and Scraps Association (LEWSA). Since then, LEWSA has received technical training and registered over 350 new members. They developed safe trade guidelines for women and purchased tricycles to support their activities.

Emmanuella Serwaa Gyawu from ECOCENT Recycling expressed excitement about LEWSA's integration into SMIDO. She noted that women's confidence has grown since forming the association. For the first time, they approached police for support and protection regarding their trade.

The event included key stakeholders like government officials from the EPA and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. Two Assistant Commanders of Police also attended and congratulated LEWSA. They emphasized that integrating LEWSA into SMIDO will help protect them from fraudulent traders.

The E-Waste Project is commissioned by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). GIZ implements it in Ghana in partnership with MEST. The project aims to improve e-waste handling conditions across Ghana.