For years, members of the Akwatialine Scrap Sellers Association in Kumasi dismantled metal and electronic waste under harsh and unsafe conditions. Workers lacked protective gear, discarded valuable materials, and endured poor health as a result of toxic exposure. The work was tough, the earnings meagre, and the risks high.

“Now we extract waste in smarter ways that increase our earnings,” said Awal Zakaria, Assistant Secretary of the Association. “Through training and capacity building, we’ve learned to recycle and repurpose materials we once destroyed. I’ve even started a new venture repurposing laptop batteries and solar panels. It has been very beneficial.”

This shift was made possible through the Civil Society Strengthening Fund (CSSF) under the broader Civil Society Strengthening Programme (CSSP), implemented by STAR-Ghana Foundation and the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). Backed by Comic Relief and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the programme has provided long-term support that is reshaping lives and institutions across Ghana.

At Akwatia Line, the Association has gained the tools to modernize its operations. “We didn’t have printers, laptops or even basic office furniture,” explained Edward Takyi, Project Lead. “Through CSSF support, we now have laptops, printers, and a furnished office to strengthen our administrative work. We even established a customer service desk that helps us resolve disputes amicably.”

A scrap seller at work

Partnerships paving the way for climate action

Institutional strengthening has opened new doors for collaboration. The Association is now formally recognized by both the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and the Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly. Together, they are tackling critical issues like land regularization and long-term planning for the scrap yard, which sits between their jurisdictions.

The KMA and its partner city of Dortmund in Germany recently visited Akwatia Line to observe e-waste management practices. Their recommendation? A shredding machine to stop the dangerous burning of cables for copper extraction. Plans are already underway to acquire and install the machine by November, with feasibility studies on land completed.

“This is all aimed at protecting the climate and preventing negative effects of climate change,” said Takyi. “We’ve also joined the Youth in Climate Action programme and submitted a proposal for inclusion in their next phase.”

The assemblies have further pledged to provide metal scrap bins for proper waste management, signalling a shared commitment to turning Akwatia Line into a cleaner, more sustainable mini-industrial site.

Sarah Adjei, Projects Manager, CSSP at STAR-Ghana Foundation, interacting with some executives of the Akwatialine Scrap Sellers Association during the partner support visit

Health, livelihoods, and dignity restored

Beyond technology and policy, the Association has invested heavily in the welfare of its members. Workers have been trained on occupational health, safe dismantling methods, and alternative business opportunities. Many have since diversified their sources of income by repairing refrigerators, repurposing parts, or even generating home electricity.

“The health aspect of our lives is improving,” Takyi added. “We no longer burn harmful items. People are learning to dismantle safely and make money from parts that are still useful. Livelihoods have improved, and the community sees us in a new light.”

To further boost income and efficiency, the Association has adopted modern financial practices. The financial secretary now collects dues via mobile money, and members meet every Friday to deliberate on issues. Their website, nearly completed, is expected to facilitate crowdfunding and local resource mobilisation. Already, toll collections have raised GHS 30,000, demonstrating a growing culture of accountability.

Edward Takyi, Project Lead – Akwatialine Scrap Sellers Association

The bigger vision: a recycling hub for Kumasi

With stronger systems in place, the Association is setting its sights higher. Over the next three to five years, leaders plan to establish a recycling company within the yard, reducing dependence on transporting materials to Accra.

“Our vision is to partner companies like nail producers so that we can sell directly to them without middlemen,” said Takyi. “In the long term, we are working with KMA and Asokore Mampong to regularise the land and develop it into a small industrial site.”

The transformation of Akwatia Line Scrap Sellers Association is a powerful reminder of how strengthening institutions at the grassroots can build resilience, improve livelihoods, and contribute to climate action. From unsafe beginnings, the Association now stands as a model for how civil society, local government, and international partners can work together to turn scrap into strength.