Toward a Circular Economy for a Sociotechnical Transition in Ghana’s e-waste Sector

Bibliographic Data

ID21641550
AuthorsKhiddir Iddris (0000-0002-0762-9050, University of Ghana, corresponding author), Richard Grant (0000-0002-5409-8117, University of Miami), Martin Oteng‐ababio (0000-0003-1474-760X, University of Ghana), Martin Oteng-Ababio (University of Ghana)
Year2025
Volume34
Issue4
Pages1021-1048
Publication date2025-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Journal of Environment & Development (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1070-4965 • E-ISSN: 1552-5465
PublisherSAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10704965251366949
OpenAlexW4413143327
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited36

Our study addresses a gap in knowledge by examining the interplay between interventions and sustainability within Ghana’s e-waste industry. We assess the ongoing circular economy initiatives in e-waste, connect them to prospects for sociotechnical transition, and reflect on critical integration gaps and challenges. We analyze acts/policy documents and interview 20 key stakeholders. Our findings highlight the complexity of transitioning from informal practices to integrated spatialized circularity. Vertical integration efforts (capacity-building programs, public-private, and formal-informal partnerships) are weakly calibrated with horizontal integration initiatives (multi-stakeholder collaborations, data-driven resource allocation, and multiscalar policymaking). While efforts have yielded some positive social and environmental impacts, including reducing some health/safety risks for some informal actors, challenges persist due to limited stakeholder engagement, disjointed value chains, and regulatory gaps. To ensure sustainable progress, we recommend a reflexive process of circular economy implementation and feedback systems, e-waste value chain integration, infrastructure development, stakeholder engagement, public education, and a unified legal framework

Business · Circular economy · Economic growth · Economic system · Economics · Economy · Informal sector · Management · Sociotechnical system · Innovation and Socioeconomic Development · Recycling and Waste Management Techniques · Sustainable Supply Chain Management

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