Evidence, advocacy, and action hub to stop toxic electronic waste imports.
The Accra-Helsinki Group website is graciously hosted by CSRTA. Click here to access the latest information on the Group's activities.
Used household appliances and electronics from North America, Europe, and Asia are routinely shipped to Africa under the guise of reuse or repair, but a large share (estimates 25–75%) arrive as useless waste. These flows exploit international regulatory loopholes to bypass global agreements.
Of appliance imports arrive as non-functional, unmarketable electronic scrap.
of air-conditioners manufactured in or imported to Africa are inefficient and require obsolete refrigerants.
increase in infant mortality for births near informal open-burning sites often used for disposal of dumped household appliances and electronics.
Pins point to major toxic scrapyards and transit ports across Africa.
Traces global export lanes from EU, USA, and China to West and East Africa.
Understanding which appliance and textile categories dominate illegal trade volumes.
Read academic peer-reviewed publications, NGO investigations, and verified UN reports regarding the global e-waste trade.
Answers queries using only verified research library files, providing citations.
Analyze country profile indices, import statistics, dumping sites, recycling rates, and dashboards.
Analyze how chemical exposure triggers organ diseases, soil poisoning, and environmental runoffs.
Source: Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT) glass, solder joints in printed circuit boards.
Target Organs: Brain / Central Nervous System, Kidneys.
Drag slider to compare pristine products against scrap dumping yard realities.
Scrapyard (Agbogbloshie)
Lifecycle Origin (Europe)
Coordinates mapping river contamination, soil toxicity, and air quality index limits.
Audit international waste treaties, evaluate country compliance metrics, and compare environmental readiness scores.
Bans hazardous waste shipments to states lacking disposal systems. OECD export limits bypass via 'used' claims.
African treaty prohibiting any hazardous waste import entirely. Enforcements remain uneven regional hurdles.
Forces gradual phase-down of ozone-depleting greenhouse refrigerant gases (HFCs) used in cooling gear.
Side-by-side comparison of Basel, Bamako, E-waste legislation, import bans, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) parameters.
| Country | Basel Party | Bamako Party | E-Waste Law | Import Ban | EPR Framework | Recycling Capacity | Enforcement Audit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghana | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial (Coolers) | Yes | Medium | Medium |
| Nigeria | Yes | No | Partial | Partial | Draft Status | Low | Low |
| Kenya | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial | Yes | Medium | Medium |
| Rwanda | Yes | Yes | Yes | Strong | Yes | High | High |
Score metrics compared against WHO, UNEP, and international environmental directives.
| Category | Score (0-100) |
|---|---|
| Import Controls (Pre-shipment verification) | 82 |
| Enforcement (Port inspection audits) | 65 |
| Recycling Infrastructure (Smelters, disassembly parks) | 41 |
| Public Awareness (NGO & media campaign outlays) | 58 |
| Environmental Monitoring (GIS water & soil registries) | 72 |
| Overall Readiness Score | 64 |
Rwanda Model: Enforces strong limits on obsolete equipment, routing shipments to centralized disassembly parks, ensuring zero toxic wire open burning.
EU Directives: Incorporate strict 'End-of-Waste' criteria forcing exporters to physically verify appliance functionality prior to shipping clearances, cutting smuggling routes.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and mandatory energy labeling are powerful regulatory barriers. By setting strict efficiency benchmarks and banning obsolete refrigerants, African nations can legally block the dumping of substandard, high-consuming cooling appliances.
Enforces strict MEPS bans on used refrigerators and air conditioners. Ghana was among the first in Africa to implement energy labeling as a direct shield against dumping.
Kenya mandates energy labels and strict performance benchmarks for refrigeration and cooling units, restricting obsolete imports at ports of entry.
Enforces compulsory energy efficiency labeling and MEPS across domestic appliances, establishing legal standards for all commercial imports.
Rwanda operates MEPS for cooling equipment linked to its national green growth plans, actively blocking appliances with high global warming potential.
National e-waste restrictions contribute directly to countries' international climate pledges and cleaner air milestones.
Integrating cooling sector mitigation into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and national emissions targets.
Curbing methane emissions from open dumps and coordinating fossil fuel regulatory alignments.
Implementing strategic global collaborations on clean air metrics and low-emission farming transformations.
Watch documentaries, read local investigations, review milestone timelines, and debunking donation myths.
12:15
Explores the Agbogbloshie electronic waste site, examining hazardous recycling conditions.
08:40
TED Talk on circular design, local makerspaces, and recycling innovation in scrap yards.
15:30
A deep look at the realities of the informal electronic waste dismantling economy in Ghana.
10:20
Documentary detailing the heavy metal contamination and human stories inside the scrapyard.
14:20
Follows the daily routines and survival stories of workers dismantling discarded devices in Accra's dumpsite.
05:15
BBC News–Click report on the localized computer repair, recovery, and scrap stripping economy.
00:50
Short video highlighting manual copper stripping hazards inside Agbogbloshie.
00:58
Short clip detailing the open-air cable fires used to salvage metal ores from insulation casings.
03:40
News report on formalizing the scrap recycling chain and introducing safe green jobs initiatives.
Local
CSRTA field evidence capturing the inspection of obsolete refrigerating imports at ports (9:36 AM).
Local
CSRTA campaign broadcast highlighting the environmental and economic impacts of cooling waste (9:35 AM).
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Access our CCAC press packages, global campaign graphics, and clean cooling video assets.
Get monthly digests on research publications, events meetings, and policy decisions.
Appliance and e-waste dismantling initiatives, circular economy repair programs, and action options.
Rwanda (Bugesera): Established designated e-waste dropoff hubs, sending obsolete boards to certified metal recovery refineries.
Ghana (Levy Systems): Enforced levy tax collections on EEE imports under Act 917, funding municipal collection points.
Citing the 2022 CLASP/IGSD study ("The Importance of Stopping Environmental Dumping in Ghana"), we recommend a shared-responsibility anti-dumping policy framework:
1. For Importing Nations (Ghana/Africa):
• Strict Port Enforcement: Enforce rigorous customs checks to block illegal used appliances disguised as personal effects.
• Upgraded Standards: Regularly update and enforce strict Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and eco-labeling.
• Capacity Building: Equip national energy commissions and customs with advanced technical audit tools.
2. For Exporting Nations:
• Export Restrictions: Update legal frameworks to prohibit exporting cooling equipment that is illegal to sell domestically due to environmental or efficiency rules (ending "toxic colonialism").
3. For Global Manufacturers:
• Stop Obsolete Technology Sales: Cease producing and exporting low-efficiency appliances or those with obsolete, high-GWP refrigerants to developing markets.
Mitigating short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) across key developmental hubs.
Phasing down high-GWP HFCs can prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Preventing cable burning cuts black carbon soot, reducing pediatric neurological disease.
Mitigating tropospheric ozone increases agricultural crop yields for regional farmers.
Submit secret dump logs, sign regional legislative petitions, and download campaign flyers.
Download clean campaign datasets, GIS coordinate logs, and integrate our public API endpoints.
Developers can fetch real-time environmental incident alerts using our JSON endpoints:
GET /api/v1/incidents
Query parameters support filtering by country code and toxic chemical keys.
CSRTA regularly engages in workshops, regional side events, advocacy programs, and local community sensitization to drive climate ambition and restrict environmental dumping across Africa.
CSRTA supported the formal launch of the African Group of Negotiators (AGN) on Sustainable Cooling in Dakar, consolidating a unified platform for African treaty negotiators under the Montreal Protocol.
Co-hosted high-level side events alongside the Accra‑Helsinki Group during Montreal Protocol MOP sessions to debate solutions for stopping refrigerant dumping in developing countries.
Organized an intensive negotiation and regulatory-skills workshop in Paris for climate experts to strengthen technical representation on environmental lock-ins.
CSRTA members co-authored and published a landmark study in the Alexandria Engineering Journal exploring energy efficiency and solar cost-saving opportunities in public tertiary institutions (Case study: KNUST, Ghana).
Track the international treaty's goals, phase-out timeline of ozone-depleting substances (ODS), and engage with the specialized AI Agents.
Learn about the Montreal Protocol, ozone layer dynamics, and why atmospheric protection matters.
Access licensing rules, quota allocations, pre-screening checkers, and approved cooling guides.
Explore safety certification requirements, R-290 training workshops, and technician permit logs.
Read scientific assessments, regulatory Acts, and download baseline ODS datasets.
Adopted on September 16, 1987, the Montreal Protocol is a landmark international agreement designed to protect Earth's stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS). It is one of the most successful environmental treaties in history, achieving universal ratification from 198 parties.
The ozone layer acts as a shield, absorbing harmful solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Depletion of this shield leads to:
| Substance | Common Uses | Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| CFCs | Refrigerators, Aerosols | High (1.0) | Phased Out |
| Halons | Fire Extinguishers | Very High (3.0 - 10.0) | Phased Out |
| Methyl Bromide | Soil Fumigant, Agriculture | Medium (0.6) | Restricted |
| HCFCs | ACs, Foam Blowing | Low (0.01 - 0.1) | Phasing Out |
Adopted to phase down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). While HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer directly, they are potent greenhouse gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP). Phasing them down is projected to avoid up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
Select a specialized AI Agent Persona to answer compliance, scientific, or policy questions.
Historical decline, transboundary trade volumes, and projected ozone layer recovery trends.
Updates on training events, upcoming MOP meetings, success stories, and press releases.
Ghana's Energy Commission confirms that its MEPS import ban on used cooling equipment has successfully prevented the dumping of over 12,000 obsolete inefficient devices, conserving grid power and preventing GWP emissions.
At the preparatory meeting for MOP 36, CSRTA advocates for stronger regional compliance frameworks and technology transfer funding to assist Sub-Saharan African cooling appliance conversions.
The official international assembly under the Montreal Protocol will meet in Montreal, Canada, to negotiate new funding cycles for the Multilateral Fund and HFC replacements.
Organized training sessions for local technicians on safety regulations, handling flammability risks of hydrocarbon refrigerants, and retrofitting splits in Accra, Ghana.
Observance of International Ozone Day across primary school hubs and university science centers in Nairobi, Kenya. Features guest lectures on Kigali cooling solutions.
Click the map pins or select a country to see treaty status and compliance grades.
Click the timeline year buttons below to explore historical ozone defense turning points.
Adopted on September 16, 1987, the landmark protocol established quantitative phase-out limits for chemical substances deplete earth's ozone shield (principally CFCs and halons).
The Center for Shared Responsibility and Technology Ambition (CSRTA) was inspired by the collaboration between the Energy Commission of Ghana and the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of all of Africa to prevent environmentally harmful product dumping. That work is not yet done, and the government continues to work on it. However, there is much that the non-profit, public-interest sector can do, and CSRTA is eager to assist.
The idea for the formation of CSRTA emerged during the 44th meeting of the Open-Ended Working Group of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, held in Bangkok in 2022. At that meeting, the African delegationâ€â€ÂÂled by Ghanaâ€â€ÂÂsubmitted a conference room paper proposing the use of the Protocol to restrict shipments of cooling appliances containing obsolete refrigerants harmful to the ozone layer. The negotiations revealed a persistent capacity gap among developing countries (Article 5 Parties), particularly in complex technical negotiations. As a result, Africa’s perspectives are often under-represented in decisions that ultimately bind all Parties.
Additionally, the Montreal Protocol has adopted decisions to phase out and phase down harmful fluorinated refrigerants, but given inadequate policies in Africa, in particular, and across the Global South in general, to insulate jurisdictions against the dumping of inefficient cooling appliances that use obsolete refrigerants. This creates the risk that obsolete technology will be dumped in Africa before the deadlines, thereby creating banks of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in Africa.
Moreover, there are inadequate champions in Africa to fight the dumping menace and prevent the continent from becoming a dumping ground for obsolete technologies. There is a need to incubate and develop champions to influence policy and raise ambition on the issue of dumping.
The CSRTA has therefore been established to strengthen the negotiating capacity of the African Group of Negotiators, promote higher environmental ambition, and cultivate a new generation of African leaders committed to preventing the continent from becoming a destination for obsolete technologies.
CSRTA works with Earth Champion organizations and global partners to advance mitigation and adaptation strategies aligned with the Paris Agreement.
We also focus on:
To accelerate climate solutions by fostering shared responsibility across sectors and advancing bold, equitable technology pathways that safeguard the planet and empower future generations.
A world where shared responsibility and ambitious technology drive a just and sustainable climate future for all.
This symbolâ€â€ÂÂa rotating fan bladeâ€â€ÂÂtakes inspiration from the Adinkra symbols and represents cutting a path forward: pioneering, trailblazing, and leadership in motion.
In the Ghanaian context, it reflects a timeless adage: the one carving a path does not know whether the path will become crooked. True leadership, therefore, is not about certainty, but about courage, humility, and responsiveness.
The symbol also speaks to feedback and collaboration. Progress is refined through dialogue, and leaders grow stronger when they remain open to critique. We become betterâ€â€ÂÂindividually and collectivelyâ€â€ÂÂwhen we invite diverse perspectives and learn as we lead.
CSRTA works closely with global scientific coalitions, state partners, and expert panels to align local e-waste remediation strategies with international protocols.
Delivers expert academic findings and modeling assessments regarding short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs).
Technology and Economic Assessment Panel provides guidance on chemical alternatives and transition outlays.
Consisting of state and non-state actors enforcing 2030 strategies and administering local trust funds.
The Board of Directors and Executive Council of the CSRTA maintain an absolute **Zero-Tolerance Policy** toward all forms of fraud, bribery, corruption, kickbacks, nepotism, or financial mismanagement. Safeguarding the integrity of environmental projects is our highest priority. Any violation results in immediate contract cancellations, termination, and direct reporting to legal authorities.
Collaborative partnerships spanning public agencies, academic institutions, NGOs, and international organizations fighting dumping.
CSRTA's primary academic collaborator in Ghana conducting lifecycle energy efficiency audits and solar load assessments on public tertiary structures.
www.knust.edu.ghGhana's chief research body assisting with environmental soil toxicity reporting, air pollution metrics, and heavy metal tracking around scrapyard zones.
www.csir.org.ghThe United Nations Environment Programme Ozone Secretariat and Climate & Clean Air Coalition provide policy support, MEPS toolkits, and emissions mitigation metrics.
UNEP Ozone | CCACAn allied coalition co-hosting high-level side events during Montreal Protocol MOP sessions to debate solutions for stopping refrigerant dumping in developing countries.
The national regulatory authority enforcing the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) and appliance labeling since 2005.
www.energycom.gov.ghEncompasses local refrigeration technicians and repair centers driving safe retrofit implementations and transition to hydrocarbon R-290 split systems.
Guide on transboundary shipping procedures, refrigerant licensing protocols, and pre-screening compliance checking tools.
Regulated chemical substances (HCFCs and HFCs) require mandatory **refrigerant import quotas** allocated by national environmental protection authorities. Unlicensed transboundary shipments constitute a direct regulatory violation and face cargo seizure.
CFCs are strictly banned under the Montreal Protocol. HCFCs are restricted. HFC imports are regulated under the Kigali Amendment via GWP quota allocations and GWP-weighted licensing based on metric tonnes of CO2-equivalent.
National regulatory frameworks, import protocols, and official guidelines defining standards compliance across jurisdictions.
Enacts the legislative mandate defining energy efficiency scorecards and labeling parameters across domestic appliance classifications.
Strictly bans imports of used refrigerators and used AC units and establishes minimum star performance indices for new devices.
Enforces the licensing program restricting ODS imports and sets monitoring penalties for gas venting or release during servicing.
| Appliance Type | MEPS Specification | Label Mandate | Allowed Refrigerants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Split Air-cons <4kW (Fixed Speed Compressors) |
AEER ≥ 3.66 | 1–7 Stars | R290, R32, R410A (Restricted) |
| Split Air-cons <4kW (Variable Speed Compressors) |
AEER ≥ 3.22 | 1–7 Stars | R290, R32, R410A (Restricted) |
| Refrigerators | EEI < 85 | 1–7 Stars | R-600a, R290, R-134a (Restricted) |
Instructional tools for learning about ozone safety.
Place two glass jars in sunlight, one covered with plastic wrap and one open. Put thermometers in both. Have students note that the covered jar traps heat (modeling greenhouse gases). Teach how HFCs act like thick wraps warming the atmosphere.
Press kits, campaign logos, high-res photos, video playlists, and public PR resources.
Includes press releases, high-res logo packages, and spokesperson bios.
Download Media Briefing PackFor interview requests and press inquiries:
Get in touch for general inquiries, technical support, toxic dumping whistleblowing, or office directory locations.
Coordinating Montreal Protocol compliance permits and ODS audits.
Email: ozoneunit@mesti.gov.ghToll-free whistleblower reporting hotline for illegal toxic imports.
Phone: 0800-ODS-BAN (Toll-Free) | Email: hotline@csrta.orgPlot 79, Twum Tawia Street, Anyaa, Accra.
GPS: GC-071-7571Receive quarterly compliance summaries, MOP briefings, and anti-dumping action updates.
Access the unified download center, infographics, posters, educational materials, glossaries, and frequently asked questions.
It is the practice of exporting obsolete, inefficient, or hazardous equipment (such as used refrigerators and cooling units with obsolete high-GWP refrigerants) from developed countries to developing nations, bypassing local recycling laws.
Used refrigerators run on ozone-depleting substances (like CFCs or HCFCs) and consume up to three times more electricity than new, energy-efficient models. This puts an immense burden on the national power grid and increases greenhouse gas emissions.
Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) establish a legal baseline for energy efficiency. By banning the import or manufacture of appliances below this baseline, countries create a legal defense mechanism against obsolete, energy-hogging equipment.
Adopted in 2016, it is an amendment to the Montreal Protocol designed to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gases. Successful implementation can prevent up to 0.5°C of global warming by 2100.
CSRTA operates to strengthen the capacity of African Group negotiators, support states in drafting MEPS laws, build public awareness, and cultivate local clean energy champions to prevent toxic technology dumping.
Man-made chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons that destroy the stratospheric ozone layer, allowing harmful UV radiation to reach Earth.
A relative measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere compared to Carbon Dioxide (GWP of CO2 = 1).
The ratio of the ozone degradation caused by a chemical compared to the same mass of CFC-11 (which has an ODP rating of 1.0).
Regulatory specifications establishing minimum energy efficiency performance baselines that products must meet to be sold or imported.
Fluorinated chemicals introduced as replacements for CFCs and HCFCs. While they do not destroy ozone, they are extremely potent greenhouse gases.
Greenhouse pollutants (like methane, black carbon, and HFCs) that remain in the atmosphere for a shorter period than CO2 but have high warming impacts.
