Government says it is working with an international private entity, SGS, to levy importers of electronic waste.
The levy to be implemented by October 1 this year, according to the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, (MESTI) seeks to generate about $100 million annually, 20% of which would be used to purchase electronic waste in the country for recycling.
Speaking to JoyBusiness, the Sector Minister, Professor Kwabena Frimpong Boateng said this would take effect after implementation of the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act 2016 (Act 917).
“SGS is a company that has a representation in 180 countries and they are going to collect that levies in those countries, outside, not here in Ghana; they will take their percentage and the rest would be paid to the government.” He said.
Prof Boateng added, “We hope that it will bring about 100 million dollars to Ghana every year.”
According to the Minister, the levies would be collected before the electronic-waste is imported into the country.
He said part of the said levy would be used to recycle the waste.
Professor Frimpong Boateng spoke to JoyBusiness at a National Sensitization Seminar on electronic waste control and management.
Recycling plant
He said plans are underway to construct a $30-million recycling plant at Agbogbloshie.
According to him, the said amount would form 40% of the revenue generated from the imported electronic waste.
The Minister has however indicated that he would ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other stakeholders implement the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act 2016 (Act 917).
He said the government is committed to formally launch the Act by August 20, 2018.
Acting Executive Director at Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), John A. Pwamang said the influx of used computers, mobile phones, refrigerators, Television Sets, among others have increased over the years – a situation he laments poses a looming threat to public health.
He added that his outfit, in collaboration with MESTI, has put together a comprehensive policy to regulate electrical and electronic waste in the country.
This policy, according to him, would feature business and financing, technology and skills, and marketing, awareness and education.
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