Ban On Importation of Secondhand Mattresses
28 May 2010
The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) notes with satisfaction the existence of L.I. 1586 banning the importation of some secondhand items, namely, handkerchiefs; men, women and children’s underpants; mattresses; and sanitary ware.
In this context, the AGI wishes to laud Government decision, through the Ministry of Trade and Industry, to enforce the ban on the importation of secondhand mattresses, which appeared in the Ghanaian Times (May 17, 2010 issue, p33).
The enforcement of this ban will not only create fair market conditions for our local mattress producers, but will also spare Ghanaians the potential and avoidable health hazards posed by the use such mattresses.
To buttress this assertion, a market survey conducted by Latex Foam in 2009 revealed that:
- Many of such mattresses are infested with bedbugs, mites and acariens whose bites can lead to fever, asthma, respiratory diseases, etc.
- The extent of deterioration is such that their usage could result in severe back and neck pain problems.
Considering the gravity of the prevailing situation on the performance or even non-performance of the garment industry, the AGI wishes to appeal to the Ministry of Trade and Industry to extend the enforcement of this Act to cover the other items listed under L.I. 1586 of Act 418. The items are used handkerchiefs; used men, women and children’s underpants; and used sanitary ware.
In a related matter, AGI wishes to appeal to the Ministry to take a closer look at the importation of secondhand clothing of all types in relation to the impact they have on the growth of our garment industry as well as the potential health hazards associated with their usage. It is sad to note that this trend has significantly reduced the employment levels in the garment sector and is collapsing the industry.
We are therefore urging the Government and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to address this serious issue to prevent a further collapse of the remaining garment firms. The folding up of these companies will not only put more workers out of job but will also deprive the Government of the much-needed revenue (from VAT and corporate profits) and also put pressure on the local currency through foreign exchange required for the importation of the used goods.
In the considered opinion of the AGI, local garment and textile industry could better access the opportunities under AGOA and earn the needed foreign exchange for the country if the importation of secondhand clothing of all types is banned. The resultant jobs that will be created by this sector through the value addition chain will accelerate the growth of the Ghanaian economy.