The Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) has protested against the government’s ban on the importation of used appliances via the Energy Commission – Ghana (EC).
Ghana’s Energy Commission has hinted on imposing the ban on the importation of used appliances.
The Commission has previously warned against foreign countries dumping electronic waste into the country.
According to reports, Ghana is increasingly becoming a dumping ground for electronic waste, with the Energy Commission taking significant steps to control that space through the importation of standard goods.
The ban prohibits the importation of used refrigerators/freezers, air conditioners, and incandescent lamps into Ghana.
However, President of GUTA, Dr. Joseph Obeng, stated on Starr News that the Energy Commission’s decision will have an impact on their business and livelihood.
He stated that the energy commission must make exceptions to the ban because not all used appliances are hazardous to the environment.
“We cannot say that all used goods are not good and that all new goods are good. What we are saying is that we should use our standards to decipher what is good and what is bad. What is harmful to the environment and what is not.
That is the standard and regulation we are used to and that is what we are appealing to the government not to ban the used goods. Because they are of a very good use to the economy. As we all know most consumers have come to appreciate that most of these second-hand goods are even better than the new ones,” Mr. Obeng reiterated.
He further stated that the ban would also have an impact on returning citizens who would prefer to bring their old appliances with them.
“Our brothers and sisters who are staying abroad will want to come with their appliances they’ve used. Maybe within a period of six months or one year and they want to bring it home. So because it is used they cannot be brought in? Is that what you are saying?
“Not at all. We do not have any precedent of any country who does not consume used products. You can give me a reference, there is none. Not even in the advanced countries where you say that people who do not have the option to buy goods that have been used previously even though the quality is good. So, you say that because the product is used it will be banned. It is not proper”, he added.
