A Study of the Scrap Metal Trade in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area

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Date
2012
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Abstract
The scrap metal trade is growing steadily in Kumasi. To assess the impact of the trade on stakeholders and Ghana in general, there is the need to consider the economic, social and environmental ramifications. Indicators were selected based on the Millenium Development Goals (MDG 1 and 2) and International Labour Organisation’s definition of decent work. Structured questionnaires were used to gather qualitative and quantitative data from scrap metal collectors, scrap dealers, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Environmental Protection Agency, Western Steel, Tema Steel and Special Steel companies. The results were analysed through frequencies and percentages of responses to specific questions. The results indicated that the average incomes generated by scrap metal collectors and scrap dealers were above the minimum wage of labourers in government institutions in Ghana. Nevertheless, the income levels were average figures and are highly variable. The revenue generated from the trade was somewhat sufficient to cater for the social needs of the scrap collectors and dealers. In spite of the significant economic benefits, the scrap trade has the potential to hamper progress towards achieving the MDG 2 which seeks to achieve universal primary education for all by 2015. The EPA is currently not able to keep up with the activities of small scale operators in the scrap trade at the expense of the environment. They were, however, in control of the situation when it comes to steel companies. The KMA has no specialised system for harnessing scraps that come with municipal solid waste in Kumasi and does not regard the menace of stolen scraps from the built environment as a major concern presently. Scrap dealers appeared to be indifferent in the proper disposal of oil spills which were associated with their operations increasing the possibility of polluting underground water. Scrap metal collectors also contribute to environmental pollution by burning plastic coated metals to recover copper.
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A thesis submitted to the Department of Materials Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Science in Environmental Resources Management,
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