Work

Decoding the Logics behind the Demolition and Redevelopment of Agbogbloshie Scrapyard, Accra, Ghana

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: • Urban revanchism marginalizes informal e-waste workers in Accra, driven by neoliberal state agendas rather than environmental concerns. • The demolition of the Agbogbloshie scrapyard was carried out without extensive consultation with key stakeholders. • Lack of a coherent strategy guiding the eviction and demolition of the Agbogbloshie scrapyard and its laborers. • Informal e-waste recycling activities persist in Agbogbloshie despite the demolition. • Competing visions exist for the future redevelopment and use of the reclaimed Agbogbloshie land. Grounded in the theoretical lens of urban revanchism ( Smith, 1996 ), this inquiry sheds light on the continuous marginalization of informal e-waste workers by revanchist forces in emerging economies like Ghana. Urban revanchism refers to the forceful reclamation of urban spaces from specific marginalized groups. Delving into the logics and initiatives underpinning the forced expulsion of informal e-waste workers in Accra—where the informal sector employs a significant portion of the population—this qualitative study argues that the state’s pursuit of modern urban transformation is strongly motivated by neoliberal logics, rather than purely health and environmental protection or promotion concerns. The demolition of the Agbogbloshie scrapyard without exhaustive consultation puts the workers of this section in a marginalized position. The arbitrary nature of the demolition kicks out this sector from urban transformation planning that concerns its economic perpetuity, and its established routines and practices. Though the demolished site reinvents itself in another prime urban location, it loses profit and needs time to rebuild itself to its previous status if the state agencies allow it to do so without demolishing it again. Otherwise, this unsustainable cycle will continue. We suggest, therefore, that city authorities embrace a sustainable urban transformation that transcends the conventional strategies for inclusive redevelopment. Such urban planning includes the marginalized in the decision-making process, and execution for agreed displacements.

Source: Geoforum

DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2024.104180

Authors: Akwasi Owusu Sarpong, Detlef Müller-Mahn, Onallia Esther Osei

Institutions: University of Bonn, Maastricht University

Language: English

Topic: Urban Planning and Governance

Subfield: Urban Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Sustainable cities and communities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,620