African port takes anti-plastic stance

Speaking on ‘Eye On Port’, a maritime current affairs TV programme aimed at highlighting the activities of ports in Ghana, the acting executive director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Ghana, John Pwamang, described the marine environment of Ghana as undesirable and called for government to back the EPA’s proposed policy to evolve the use of plastic products, because they are a major threat to marine life and public health.

“We have a lot of pollution at the beaches very close to the harbour so we have to look for how government (can) advise on the plastic management policy that we have submitted. It doesn’t only deal with only plastic waste alone, but plastics in general,” he said.

Second-hand problem

Mr Pwamang also revealed that a major problem that is making the EPA’s aim to protect the country’s environment difficult is the importation of second-hand products. He said a significant amount of these products are waste imported into the country.

“The issue of second hand goods is a very thorny issue. Our law doesn’t prohibit the importation of second hand goods and equipment; it prohibits the importation of waste. But you would agree that some of the goods that come as second hands are not useable,” he said.

He stressed that the classification of second-hand products should be legally redefined.

He also revealed that the proposed 0.5% Free on Board fee to be charged on imports as an eco-levy to fund the provision of resources for the EPA is inadequate. Discussions on the eco levy amount are ongoing, but the EPA believe the policy could be operational by the end of the year.

Mr Pwamang said that although the EPA has been withdrawn from inspection activities in Ghana’s ports, managed by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the EPA still collaborates with state regulatory agencies like the Ghana Standard Authority to provide permits and control items that make it into the country.

He stated that penalties would be applied when old, hazardous products are brought into the country.