Ghana Faces Sanctions And Trade Restrictions

The Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Dr. P.C Acquah has warned that the rising levels of Ghana's chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) consumption may result in sanctions and trade restrictions by the international community.

In a speech delivered on his behalf at a seminar for importers and retailers in Accra yesterday, he expressed worry at the country's inability to reduce her consumption by 50% by 2005 in accordance with the Montreal Protocol Agreement.

Available statistics showed that the figure of 48.68 tonnes in 1997 rose to 50.33 tonnes in 1998. There was however a reduction in 1999 during which 43.6 tonnes was recorded. In 2000 the figure shot to 47 tonnes.

The Montreal Protocol Agreement requires Ghana's consumption level to fall below 36 tonnes by July 1999 but this does not seem to be in sight, he said.

In his estimation Ghana would be on course if it is able to shed off about 12 tonnes of CFC consumption to meet the freeze level of 35.6 tonnes.

Mr. J.B Hasford, National Consultant on the Ozone Project complained that infiltration into the country of low quality CFC has compounded the problem. He has therefore advised importers to seek EPA clearance when bringing refrigerants into the country.