Africa is Not a Dumping Ground

The Agbobloshie dump site in Accra, Ghana is being consumed by old and broken computers shipped from abroad under the guise of second hand donations. The dumping ground is littered with broken glass, plastic, metal, and other dangerous and toxin computer parts that have been sent here for disposal. People are forced to tip toe around the area for fear of injuring themselves and the air is constantly covered in a thick black smoke as the computer parts burn.

The export of computer waste is banned internationally, but people are circumventing the law by labeling the junk as donations. However, 90% of the machines sent end up at the dump site where they contaminate the water and environment.

As the demand for the newest and savviest form of technology increases, more of the old is discarded and shipped to places that the rest of the world considers worthy of their junk. Greenpeace International has been exposing sites of what they call the "shady e-waste trade" and are calling for electronic companies to be responsible for recycling their used products. When we throw products out, materials should be returned back to the companies and maybe it will force them to come up with ways to recycle them rather than polluting communities overseas.

Union Government for Africa

In a quest to accelerate political and economic integration in Africa, 12 countries are meeting in Arusha to deliberate on a proposed Union Government for Africa. Member states set to attend are Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Libya, Nigeria, Senegal, Uganda, South Africa and Tanzania.
A union of this kind excites me for several reason. I hope that African leaders can begin to hold themselves accountable for democratic issues and human rights violations occurring in their countries, as there would be a direct effect on their economic stability and that of others in the union. I can only see such a union making countries stronger and making other African countries (especially those not in the union) less dependent on Western aid. I also hope that it would encourage a more communal spirit between nations. Though, I notice the only countries represented in the union that have a a bit of conflict are Cameroon and Nigeria (though it has been moderated through the ICC and has been fairly small scale), I would hope that a union such as this would help to reduce, if not obliterate violent conflict between states, especially members and those who seek to join. Ghana, being named the most peaceful country in Africa serves as a great leader for the continent and I hope to see the union succeed and flourish.