A joint investigation by Unearthed and Greenpeace Africa has uncovered a disturbing environmental crisis unfolding in Ghana: massive volumes of discarded clothing from UK fast fashion brands have been found dumped in and around the Densu Delta Ramsar Site, a protected wetland of international ecological importance.
Clothing waste bearing labels from Marks & Spencer, George at Asda, Next, Zara, H&M, and Primark was discovered across wetlands, riverbanks, and open dump sites near the capital city of Accra. This includes two dumping grounds inside the Ramsar Site itself and a third near upstream riverbanks, according to the new report.
The Densu Delta Ramsar Site, home to rich biodiversity including roseate terns, leatherback turtles, and green turtles, is increasingly threatened by waste from the global fashion supply chain. Ghana receives an estimated 15 million items of used clothing every week, and in 2024 alone, the UK exported around 57,000 metric tons of textile waste to Ghana—more than any other country.
“Dumping of refuse at any part of the wetland contravenes best international conservation protocols,” said Eric Atta-Kusi, Wetlands Operations Manager at Ghana’s Forestry Commission.
Originally designed to last up to a decade, Accra’s Kpone landfill, funded by the World Bank and opened in 2013, reached capacity in just five years—largely due to textile waste. In 2019, trapped methane ignited the landfill, resulting in an eight-month fire that raised serious public health concerns.
Growing Environmental and Health Impacts
As clothing waste piles up, approximately 40% of each bale is deemed unusable, ending up in informal dump sites that now include ecologically sensitive zones. Greenpeace testing revealed that 90% of this discarded clothing contains synthetic fibers, which are non-biodegradable and harmful to aquatic ecosystems.
“The dumping of synthetic, non-biodegradable textiles could drastically alter wetland habitats,” said Jones Quartey, a wetland ecologist at the University of Ghana. “The bioaccumulation of microplastics poses serious threats to aquatic life and human health.”
Local communities are already seeing the impact. Fish populations are declining, and residents report foul smells, polluted river water, and discolored fish. Fishing nets are often clogged with clothing waste, and wildlife sightings have dropped.
“We no longer catch the fish we used to,” said Daniel Nii Okai, a fisherman near the Densu Delta. “The river carries clothing and waste downstream, destroying the fish habitat.”
Call for Accountability and Global Reform
This environmental crisis is now fueling urgent calls for fashion brands and exporting countries to take responsibility for the afterlife of their products. Ghanaian officials and environmental groups are urging for stricter global policies, waste reduction at source, and investment in circular fashion models that do not externalize environmental costs onto vulnerable nations.
The Densu Delta, once a thriving ecosystem supporting livelihoods and biodiversity, now stands as a symbol of the global fashion industry’s unchecked waste. Without immediate action, experts warn, the long-term consequences could be irreversible.
