Ghana Bans Importation of Second-Hand TV Sets, Fridges And 17 Other Electrical Appliances

• The Energy Commission has announced new regulations that ban the importation of 19 electrical appliances deemed substandard
• The regulations came into force on November 2, 2022, however, the Commission said it will allow for a one-year grace period to allow for market adjustment
• The policy, the Commission explained in a statement on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, is to prevent the excess energy demand that these second-hand imported electrical appliances put on Ghana

Ghana's foremost national agency mandated to ensure that national energy demands are met has rolled out a comprehensive policy to ban the importation of substandard and second-hand electrical gadgets.

The Ghana Energy Commission on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, published a statement outlining why it was enforcing a ban on a total of 19 substandard electrical appliances and renewable energy products.

Read also

Winter not over, but Europe braces for the next one

According to the Commission, the ban has become necessary because Ghana has become the favourite destination for the importation of substandard and energy-guzzling TV sets, fridges, washing machines, rice cookers and air conditioners.

The Energy Commission also said the new policy is also to "save the economy by reducing electricity demand which necessitates additional generation capacity with associated fuel cost."

The policy, according to the state agency, came into force on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

However, to ensure effective implementation and protect the livelihoods of persons in the electrical appliances and renewable energy markets, a one-year grace period will be given for market adjustment.

This means the new regulation will start this year, specifically on November 2, 2023.

How to conserve energy to save money on electricity bills

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh has reported in a separate story that conserving energy has become important for every Ghanaian because of the frequent power outages in the country.

Read also

Pakistan's economy in 'collapse' as IMF visits

Paying for utilities, especially electricity bills, is also a big headache for many in Ghana because of the high payment of tariffs.

The government-subsidised payment of electricity bills during the covid lockdown was a very welcome initiative by all Ghanaians to lessen the burden on them.

But buying top-of-the-range brand-new electrical appliances may cost a lot of money but they are better than home-used appliances which consume a lot of energy.

PURC increases the cost of electricity by 29.96%

Also, the utility regulator has announced higher tariffs for electricity and water in its 2023 first-quarter tariff review.

The Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) has said electricity will now cost 29.96% more while water costs 8.3% more which many fear will hike up the cost of living.

The regulator said the increase in electricity for instance is important to prevent the country from going back to the days of erratic power supply or 'dumsor'.

Read also

High energy bills deal heavy blow to Belgian glassware business

Source: YEN.com.gh