NGO launches scrap wire recycling machine
The Green Advocacy Ghana (GAG), has launched a 35,000-dollar wire stripping machine, to help remove scrap wires from cables without burning in Accra.
Supported by the Pure Earth Blacksmith Institute, a US based NGO, the Scrap Wire Recycling Machine is expected to help eliminate the burning of electronic cables at the Agbogbloshie market in Accra.
It would be used to separate the aluminum and copper wires from the cables without using the traditional method of burning.
Speaking on the theme: “Your Health, Your Safety,” the Executive Director of GAG, Mr Yaw Amoyaw-Osei, observed that managing electronic waste and rubber is the surest way to promote environmental safety.
He said the burning of plastic is highly toxic as the process produces toxic gases like dioxin which causes cancer when inhaled into the human body.
“The adverse effect of breathing in polluted oxygen especially one generated from plastic affects the one burning as well as the one inhaling because we all take in air for survival,” he said.
He said this new machine would take care of the extraction of small wires from cables because GAG has already installed similar machines for scrap dealers to use to strip huge cables.
Mr Amoyaw-Osei said the launch and introduction of the wire stripping machine to the members of the Greater Accra Scrap Dealers Association at the Agbogbloshie market marks the first phase of their project to eliminate burning in the Region.
He noted that the GAG’s next line of action is to train the scrap dealers on the know-how on handling the stripping machine, and also educate them on the need to protect themselves through the use of personal protective gears.
Mr Amoyaw-Osei said the GAG would also set up a free health centre for members of the association.
As part of activities for the launch, the GAG also donated items worth GH₵ c15,000.00 to the dealers in efforts to enhance their personal hygiene and safety.
The items included hand gloves, nose mask, first aid box, and sanitizers.
He advised them to observe cleanliness in their environs as well as change their working gears frequently so as to avoid transfer of contamination from the dress to their families. .
Mr Abdullai Abdul-Rahman, Chairman of the Association lauded GAG for the initiative and urged members to embrace the new change to minimize the occupational hazards confronting them as an association.
“Creating such friendly healthy environment and introducing this machine will not only positively affect our health, but will also create job opportunities for our members because the wires instead of coming out burnt will now be new hence fetching us good market price,” he said.
Source: GNA