Energy Commission intensifies fight against substandard electrical products smuggling

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Takoradi

The Energy Commission has intensified its efforts to safeguard the local market from an influx of substandard and inefficient electrical products.

The Commission is pursuing this goal through strengthened enforcement actions and heightened market surveillance across the country.

According to Hubert Nsor Zan, Assistant Manager in charge of Energy Efficiency Regulations at the Commission, the body is determined to ensure that only quality and energy-efficient appliances are allowed into the country – in line with the new Energy Efficiency Regulations, 2022.

Speaking to B&FT on the sidelines of a workshop for journalists in Takoradi, he explained that this initiative forms part of the Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (AGORA) project which seeks to promote energy efficiency and reduce Ghana’s carbon footprint.

“Used, substandard and inefficient products must not be allowed into the market. Before the ban, second-hand dealers took advantage of the system. The Ghanaian consumer deserves to buy good, quality, and energy-efficient products so that he can save more money in his pocket,” he stressed.

He disclosed that the Commission has detected attempts by some individuals to photoshop QR codes on energy labels to deceive unsuspecting consumers.

He urged media to help educate the public on the importance of verifying appliance standardisation procedures.

Mr. Zan pointed out that smuggling remains a major challenge, with some importers disguising banned or used appliances as personal effects at the ports, while others commission manufacturers to produce what they call ‘African model’ products that fall below acceptable international standards.

To curb this, he said the Commission has strengthened collaboration with the Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and is engaging foreign manufacturers to comply with Ghana’s strict verification regime to prevent the dumping of substandard goods.

“The Commission has the power to test any appliance. But if the consumer is empowered, who will they sell to? The law stipulates that whether used or new, all products must be labelled to meet the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS). We will intensify market surveillance to check dumping – for the sake of our health,” he emphasised.

He explained that since 2005, the Commission has granted several moratoriums for importers to comply – but by 2026 it will implement a clear roadmap to consolidate gains made in phasing-out used and banned goods from the Ghanaian market.

Mr. Zan called on media to support the Commission’s drive by raising public awareness on energy efficiency regulations, stressing that consumer education is key to achieving lasting results.

“Our collective actions can help ensure that global temperatures do not exceed 1.5°C, but our inaction could raise them by 2.7°C by 2100,” he warned.

He clarified that the prohibition applies not only to second-hand products but also new appliances that fail to meet Ghana’s MEPS requirements.

Importers, he noted, must provide documentation proving compliance before clearance at the ports.

The regulations, he added, are designed to: promote efficient use and conservation of energy; mitigate climate change; and ensure that every appliance on the market is properly labelled, registered and accompanied by a product information sheet.

Offences under the regulations include failure to comply with communication requirements, providing misleading information and advertising appliances without accurate details of their energy-efficiency star rating.

Mr. Zan further disclosed that Ghana has already achieved 7.5 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide saving – contributing to the nation’s commitments under the Paris Agreement and advancing its goal toward a net-zero emissions future.

“We are not only protecting consumers but also safeguarding the national grid from pressure that comes with inefficient devices that waste energy,” he added.

He reiterated the Commission’s resolve to continue implementing policies that promote energy efficiency, protect consumers and support Ghana’s sustainable energy transition.

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