"Obroni Waawu" Killing Economy

Accra, March 18, GNA- Two Members of the Third Chamber, a Netherlands-based organization that advocates strengthened political support for international cooperation and sustainable development, arrived in Ghana over the weekend to ascertain the problems caused by second hand goods imported into developing countries.

The members, Mr Hoite Spijkstra and Ms Isabelle Amorim while in Ghana would conduct a study on the possibilities of starting small enterprises, with small loans without collateral for Ghanaians on sustainable environmental project. The organisation will present the findings to the Netherlands Government, to enable it solicit special funding for micro-credits in terms of environmental protection in developing countries.

The project is also part of the commitment by members to present proposals to the Netherlands Government on how to improve development cooperation aid to developing countries.

The Third Chamber, an initiative by the National Commission for Sustainable Development Cooperation (NCDO) thus ensures public support for international development visible to relevant politicians in addition to making the voice of developing countries heard in the political and public debates in the Netherlands Mr Spijkstra told the GNA that while in the country they would like to meet with relevant organizations concerned with importation of second hand goods, government officials, people that survive on second hand goods and visit the Tema Habour. This according to him will enable them to get the real picture of waste generated as a result of importation of second hand goods from developed countries to Ghana and to make concrete recommendations to the Netherlands Government on the situation.

Mr. Spijkstra said "We like to look for the possibilities to start small enterprises, with small loans without collateral." Should it not be possible to invest in Africa with the money of the 'removal contribution in a good garbage collection system' and a sustainable recycling in Africa?" he asked.
The removable contribution is an amount of money the Dutch consumers pay when they buy new equipment. The two members were advocating such monies should go along with the product when being sold as second hand to the developing countries.
Mr. Spijkstra expressed worry about the importation of second hand goods and equipment of bad quality from Western countries to Africa and said the desire to carry out such a study was motivated by the development. 18 March 07