Scrap metal management practices in the Kumasi Suame magazine industrial area of the Ashanti region of Ghana challenges and prospects

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Kumasi Metropolis to assess the scrap metal management practices in the Suame Magazine industrial area. Today with increasing public awareness and research into the many environmental implications, metals recycling is now of paramount importance due to a number of reasons. The study sought to determine the economic profitability of scrap metal trade in the Metropolis, assess the challenges faced by scrap metal dealers in the collection, sorting and smelter of scrap metals in their operations and determine the innovative ways of managing scrap metal in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study employed the descriptive research design in the form of a survey. The population for the study consisted of all scrap metal collectors (SMCs) and all scrap dealers (SDs) in the Suame Magazine industrial area. A total of 25 participants were sampled for the study using snowballing technique. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. From the data analysis it was revealed that even though the activity of scrap metal dealing was beneficial, it was not mechanically useful to those engaged in it, especially the scrap metal collectors. It became evident that challenges such as lack of access to funding, no government regulations, no specialised equipment to help in sorting and separating scrap, the risk of injury during collection of scrap and the inherently tedious nature of scrap collection and separation plagued the scrap metal trade. Additionally, in order to improve the scrap metal business, stakeholders should provide safety equipment for scrap metal collectors, employ technology and modern equipment in the collection and separation of scrap, form associations to fight for their interests and government support, and provide education and technical know-how for SMC and SD to improve their trade. The study recommends that a holistic approach should be put in place where all stakeholders will help to streamline and standardise the scrap metal trade.