EPA announces ban on ozone layer depleting substances
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Friday informed the public of a ban on the importation of ozone depleting chemical substances into the country from January 1, 2010.
A statement issued in Accra said “the importation of chemicals as well as products and equipment that contain these chemicals are banned from January 1, 2010”.
They are Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), used as refrigerant in domestic refrigerators/freezers and chillers, as blowing agent in flexible foam manufacturing and as propellants in aerosol spray.
Other substances include halons used in fire fighting and Carbon Tetrachloride (CC14) used as solvent to clean precision tools, metals and other electrical circuit boards, as reagent in laboratories and feedstock in preparation of other substances.
It explained that the ban was in accordance with Ghana’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
In addition, in conformity with Ghana’s Legislative instrument LI 1812 – Management of Ozone Depleting Substances and Products Regulation.
The EPA urged all users and importers of the chemicals and products to take note of the ban.
Source: GNA