Ghana Ban 'Second Hand' Fridges On Eve Of New Year
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2012/12/ghana-ban-hand-fridges-on-eve-of-new.html
A ban on the import of second-hand refrigerators is coming into force in Ghana to reduce energy consumption and harm to the environment.
Many old fridges contain chemicals called Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which damage the Earth's ozone layer.
Although these are already banned or being phased out, they are thought to be commonly used in Africa.
The head of Ghana's energy commission told the BBC the ban made Ghana "a pioneer in West Africa".
The ban was first introduced in 2008 but was extended to give dealers time to adjust.
However, some Ghanaian traders have criticised the ban, saying thousands of jobs will be lost.
Energy commission head Alfred Ofosu-Ahenkora says the second-hand refrigerators are harming the country as they were not built for use in Africa and so consume too much electricity.
The commission says some two million used fridges have been imported to Ghana, mainly from the European Union.
Although these are already banned or being phased out, they are thought to be commonly used in Africa.
The head of Ghana's energy commission told the BBC the ban made Ghana "a pioneer in West Africa".
The ban was first introduced in 2008 but was extended to give dealers time to adjust.
However, some Ghanaian traders have criticised the ban, saying thousands of jobs will be lost.
Energy commission head Alfred Ofosu-Ahenkora says the second-hand refrigerators are harming the country as they were not built for use in Africa and so consume too much electricity.
The commission says some two million used fridges have been imported to Ghana, mainly from the European Union.
