By Aoma Keziah,
A new report by Greenpeace Africa and Greenpeace Germany has uncovered the devastating environmental and public health consequences of the global second-hand clothing trade in Ghana. The report, titled “Fast Fashion, Slow Poison: The Toxic Textile Crisis in Ghana,” highlights the alarming effects of discarded clothing, much of it originating from fast fashion industries in the Global North, on Ghana’s environment, communities, and ecosystems.
“This report is a wake-up call. The toxic waste dumped in Ghana is not just an environmental issue, it is a stark example of environmental injustice recklessly carried out by the Global North. Fashion brands and governments must take immediate responsibility for the damage their waste is causing in countries like Ghana.” Said Hellen Dena, Greenpeace Africa’s Pan-African Plastics Lead.
The report author, Sam Quashie-Idun highlighted the broader implications of the findings,and called for urgent support for local solutions stating that the Ghanaian government together with the international community should support the development of a sustainable local textile industry in Ghana, which can alleviate the waste problem while providing economic opportunities.
“The evidence we have collected shows that the fast fashion industry is not just a fashion issue it’s a public health crisis. The clothes we tested are literally poisoning the people of Accra.” Noted Quashie-Idun .
Greenpeace Africa’s campaigners have called for immediate and long-term actions to address this crisis
“ We call for a ban on the importation of dead waste. The Ghanaian government must take urgent legislative action to stop the importation of textile waste from the Global North. The government should only import clothes that can actually be reused as wearable clothing. Fashion brands must be held accountable for the full lifecycle of their products, including waste disposal and recycling, under a global EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility)” Remarked Dena
Every week, an estimated 15 million items of second-hand clothing are shipped to Ghana. However, nearly half of these garments are unsellable and are either dumped in informal landfills or burned in public washhouses. This improper disposal has led to severe air, soil, and water contamination, jeopardizing the health of local communities.
Key Findings:
The report presents disturbing air pollution data, particularly from public washhouses in Accra’s Old Fadama settlement. Greenpeace’s air samples revealed dangerously high levels of toxic substances, including carcinogens like benzene and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), posing a severe risk to residents’ health.
Infrared testing of the discarded clothing found that nearly 90% of the items were made from synthetic fibers like polyester. These garments contribute to the spread of microplastics, which are increasingly contaminating Ghana’s environment.
Additionally, the report details how the accumulation of textile waste is overwhelming natural habitats, polluting rivers, and creating ‘plastic beaches’ along the Ghanaian coastline. These environmental hazards threaten both marine life and local livelihoods.
Greenpeace is calling for urgent global action to address the environmental crisis caused by the fast fashion industry and its impact on countries like Ghana. The report advocates for reducing textile waste at the source, promoting circular fashion economies, and ensuring better waste management to protect vulnerable communities from further harm.
Mt Kenya Times