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

Abstract

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.