Energy Commission debunks wrongful claims by “Concerned Importers of Used Appliances”
The Energy Commission in Ghana has issued a statement refuting claims made by a group calling themselves the “Concerned Importers of Used Appliances” regarding the proposed ban on the importation of used electrical appliances.
The group had held a press conference where they made several inaccurate statements about the Energy Commission and the rationale behind the proposed ban.
In the statement, the Energy Commission emphasizes that the group’s claims of an inconclusive meeting with the Commission are incorrect, and that they had a productive and conclusive meeting with the National Executives of GUTA, of which the group is a member, on October 6, 2021.
During this meeting, the Energy Commission explains, the rationale behind the ban and the impact of used appliances on the national economy, consumers, the environment and the appliance market as a whole was discussed.
The group had also stated that the Energy Commission’s assertion that the trade in used appliances would turn Ghana into a “dumping ground” is false.
The Energy Commission clarifies that the term “dumping” is not limited to used appliances and is defined as the practice of exporting products that contain hazardous substances, have lower environmental performance than is in the interest of consumers or the local and global commons, can undermine the ability of the importing country to fulfill international environmental treaty commitments, or are often too inefficient to sell in the markets of the countries of manufacture. These products can place a heightened demand on energy supply, increase power plant emissions and harm public health, agriculture and local ecosystems.
The Energy Commission also notes that Ghana has been enforcing Minimum Energy Performance Standards and Labels for electrical appliances since 2005, which have helped consumers identify and avoid purchasing inferior, used and inefficient appliances.
The statement also highlights the negative impacts of used appliances on the economy, individuals and the environment, including the high energy consumption of used appliances, the high maintenance costs, and the environmental pollution caused by the burning of discarded appliances.
The Commission further emphasizes that they are not against Ghana becoming a circular economy, but that recycling should focus on products consumed in Ghana and recycled locally at the end of their useful lives.
The statement also questions the group’s claims that used products are more durable than new ones, and that their activities provide feedstock to the local recycling plant.
