Sekondi-Takoradi inundated with banned electrical appliances

Sekondi-Takoradi has for some time been inundated with second hand electrical appliances which has the potential of creating health hazards and consuming high energy for users and the country.

A cursory look at electrical shops in the oil-city revealed a worrying situation as most of the shops are stocked with used-electrical appliances.

Despite the ban on used-fridges, air-conditioners and incandescence bulbs by legislative instrument (LI 1932) passed in 2008, some importers still use unapproved routes to smuggle these appliances into the country.

A visit by the GNA to a place near PWD park in Takoradi, some importers had brought such banned appliances popularly known as ‘As it is’ in large quantities while retailers were busily transporting them into their shops.

When this reporter asked the buyers why they prefer them, Kwasi Amakye, a retailer, said the used-electrical appliances are affordable and durable.

The Western Regional Public Affairs Manager of the Energy Commission, Mr Victor Owusu, responding to the situation, said the Montreal Protocol banned such goods and that since Ghana is a signatory to that accord, the authorities must enforce the ban.

He said as a country, if we fail to enforce the ban on used-electrical appliances, Ghana would be sanctioned by the United Nations.

He said that such goods consume more energy than brand new appliances adding that there are health and environmental hazards associated with the use of secondhand appliances.

Mr Owusu said research conducted by the Noguchi Memorial Institute had revealed that some used-refrigerators imported abroad contained bacteria which could be detrimental to our health if we use them.

He said some of such imported refrigerators were used for research projects in their home countries and that the next user might not know exactly what the research was about therefore using them has the potential of attracting diseases.

The Energy Commission Manager noted that some of these appliances are not suitable for our climate since most of them were imported from temperate climate compared to our tropical climate therefore they develop fault after using them for few years.

Mr Owusu said by December 31, no retailer would be allowed to display used-fridges for sale and those who fail to abide by the directive would be prosecuted.

He said energy consumption of used-fridges alone stood at 1,200 kilowatt per hour and warned that if we don’t change our attitude and continue with used-appliances, the country would pay dearly in terms of our energy consumption.

Source: GNA