Customs Division burns used mattresses imported in commercial quantities

The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority has burnt 145 used mattresses that were imported for commercial purposes. Unlike few mattresses that are imported for personal usage, used mattresses that are imported in large quantities are seized and later on burnt.

The government, through a Legislative Instrument (LI 1586) of 1994, placed a total ban on the importation of used mattresses and other used products that have direct body contact, like sanitary wear from entering the country, citing health concerns.

The Chief Revenue Officer of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, Lawrence Annang said the 145 used mattresses burnt at the Kpone landfill site were seized in Tema and had been gathered over a period of 6 months in the state warehouse.

“We have a lot we are destroying and we are starting today. If we are able to hold on to the vehicle for the next two or three days, that’s what we are going to be doing as you witnessed at the Kpone Landfill site. When you import any of these items; used mattresses, sanitary wear, used handkerchiefs, when you bring them in commercial quantities, they are going to be seized”, Chief Revenue Officer, Customs division, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Lawrence Annang stated.



Lawrence Annang entreated importers to avoid clashes with the law by importing only items that are acceptable and deemed legal.

“Let us try and be law abiding because at the moment, with a lot of social media hovering around, information is no longer hidden. Whatever information you want, even if you want to import a car now, I can just direct you to my office, and within seconds you will know how much you are paying. So, whatever you want to do, by going to the social media, the GRA website, you will find all this information there. This law has been there since 1994”, the Chief Revenue Officer added.

The ban on used mattresses is to allow local manufacturers gain access to larger markets and expand their operations to create jobs for the unemployed. It is also to avoid health dangers associated with the usage of unsanitised used mattresses.