Energy C’ssion seizes 15,000 fridges, 36 containers

A total of 15,000 secondhand (used) refrigerators have, since June 2013, been confiscated and dismantled by the Energy Commission (EC), in pursuance of Legislative Instrument 1832 of 2008, which prohibits the importation of used refrigerators into the country.

Mr. Victor Owusu, Public Relations Manager of the EC, who disclosed this in Kumasi, said about 36 containers of refrigerators had been impounded at the Tema Harbour for subsequent dismantling.

He said the law prohibiting the importation of used refrigerators came into force in June 2013 and that the prohibition is still in force. The EC official said apart from being ozone depleting, used refrigerators have effects on the environment, as it encourages gassing.

Mr. Owusu said the EC had commissioned two companies, namely, Presank Ghana Limited in Kumasi and City Waste Company in Accra, to undertake the dismantling of the seized refrigerators, to ensure compliance of the provisions of the Legislative Instrument.

According to him, all importation into the country should conform to Ghana standards, hence the seizure to deter importers who import unwholesome and expired goods into the country.

Meanwhile, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in Kumasi has, in line with the law, and upon directives from its headquarters, destroyed 85 pieces of deep freezers and fridges seized in Kumasi.

Mr. Isaac Kofi Toffah, Assistant Commissioner and Sector Commander of the GRA, said his outfit had also seized various expired goods, including 428 cartons of Tampico drink imported into the country, contrary to import regulations.

Mr. Victor Owusu has commended the Customs Unit of the GRA for its vigilance, and hoped it would do more to ensure that the market is rid of expired goods.