Purchasing behaviour and the accumulation of electronic waste among teachers of second-cycle schools in the Takoradi sub-metropolis

Abstract

Ghana’s electronic waste is alarming for a number of reasons, purchases of these electronic goods like many other normal goods are increasing, the nonexistence of specific regulations on electronic waste management and the general weak enforcement of existing laws on general waste management makes the handling of electronic waste in particular a daunting task for waste managers. The study sought to examine the purchasing behaviour of teachers of second cycle schools for electronic goods and the accumulation of electronic waste within the Takoradi sub metropolitan. The study used both primary and secondary sources of data. Data collection instrument used was questionnaire. The study employed the descriptive survey. A total of 150 respondents made up of teachers of second-cycle schools in the Takoradi Sub- Metropolis were used. The data collected during the study were entered into the SPSS version 16 to facilitate analysis. The study revealed that price promotions or price of electronic goods influences consumers’ purchase of electronic goods. The teachers however, disagreed that their status in the society or community influences them to purchase electronic goods. It was therefore recommended that sensitization and awareness creation of the disposal and management of electronic waste goods should be embarked upon by the Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly to help curb or address the challenges associated with electronic waste.