June 29, 2009

Ghana: Digital Dumping Ground

An interesting Frontline examination of high-tech waste

When containers of old computers first began arriving in West Africa a few years ago, Ghanaians welcomed what they thought were donations to help bridge the digital divide. But soon exporters learned to exploit the loopholes by labeling junk computers "donations," leaving men like Godson to sort it out.

Godson, one of the e-waste dealers who have set up shop close to the port, shows the contents of the container he has bought.

"Some are from Germany and the U.K., and also from America," he says, when asked where the equipment has come from. He sorts through them looking for working electronics that can be sold. He says that maybe 50 percent of the shipment is junk."

The video is very interesting... and security relevant, as well. 

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