A recent investigation has unveiled troubling practices surrounding the global trade of used vehicles and electronic waste, particularly in Africa. Many used cars, including a 2018 Toyota Sedan traced back to Northern Virginia, are being exported to countries like Ghana without proper safety certifications. According to Rob De Jong from the United Nations Environment Programme, a significant portion of these vehicles are not roadworthy, raising concerns about safety on local roads.

Mechanics in Accra report that repairs are often dictated by the new owner's budget, leading to incomplete fixes. For instance, while some vehicles may have deployed airbags, only the most financially feasible repairs are made, leaving many cars less safe and more polluting. A common issue is the absence of catalytic converters, essential for reducing emissions, which are often removed for their valuable platinum content.

The investigation highlights a broader environmental crisis, as these aging vehicles contribute to the influx of electronic waste in Ghana. Scrap workers sift through tons of discarded appliances and electronics, extracting metals through hazardous methods like incineration. This practice exposes workers and nearby communities to toxic fumes and heavy metals, raising serious health concerns.

Despite an international agreement aimed at curbing the export of electronic waste, loopholes allow items labeled as repairable to bypass restrictions. The United States, which did not ratify the Basel Convention, continues to be a significant player in this problematic trade, prompting calls for stricter regulations and accountability in the global waste management system.