Dec 6, 2024, 9:29 AM
Dec 6, 2024, 9:29 AM

Cow grazes in Accra's largest dumpsite, raising urgent environmental concerns

Provocative
Highlights
  • Misper Apawu, a photographer based in Accra, documented the Old Fadama dumpsite, the largest waste disposal site for textiles in Ghana.
  • She captured cows grazing on waste instead of green pastures, highlighting the environmental and health concerns for both livestock and humans.
  • The photograph aims to spark conversations about the harsh realities of waste management and its implications on health and welfare.
Story

Accra, Ghana is home to the Old Fadama dumpsite, which is the largest disposal site for textiles and other waste in the country. Misper Apawu, a photographer known for addressing social issues related to women, sports, and environmental concerns, visited this informal settlement to document the harsh reality faced by its low-income residents. While at the dumpsite, she noticed an ironic scene where cows, typically seen in lush pastures, were instead seen feeding on waste. The stark contrast between the traditional pastoral image and the reality of the cows scavenging for food in a dumpsite left a lasting impression on her. To capture this poignant image, Apawu conversed with the dumpsite manager, gaining insight into the conditions that led livestock to graze in such an undesirable area. The manager explained that the lack of green pastures within the settlement left the cows with no alternative but to feed from the waste. She aimed to convey the environmental impact of second-hand clothing, particularly the consequences of waste on both animal and human health. Finding her ideal moment to photograph, Apawu waited patiently for a cow to look up, capturing two frames, one of which was particularly powerful. The resulting image not only depicts the cows in a disturbing environment but also raises significant concerns about public health and animal welfare. The sale of these cows once slaughtered poses further implications for consumers as they unknowingly contribute to a cycle of environmental degradation. Apawu's work strives to spark conversations around pressing environmental issues, and this photograph serves as a catalyst for discussion about the state of waste management and livestock health in low-income communities. Her intention is to shine a light on the dire circumstances faced by both the people living in Old Fadama and the animals that share their environment, urging society to consider the implications of waste disposal practices on overall well-being.

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