Environment Minister hints of plans to introduce a National E-waste Policy for Ghana

The government has hinted at plans to introduce a National e-waste Policy and Implementation Plan, aimed among others at establishing the framework for a circular economy for the management of e-waste.

According to the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Kwaku Afriyie, the policy which is at the development stage will be completed before the expiration of his tenure.

Appearing before the House to answer a question on the status of E-waste management in Ghana and policy measures being put in place, the Minister outlined several areas the policy is meant to focus on.

This includes; establishing the framework for a circular economy for the management of e-waste, instituting an EPR System for e-waste management, identifying sustainable financing models for e-waste management, continuous awareness creation on the environmentally sound disposal, collection and recycling of the electronic waste in Ghana.

Explaining further, he said the plan will also outline the standards and procedures for activities related to the disposal, collection and recycling of e-waste, defining roles of all key stakeholders involved in the electrical and electronic equipment value-chain, including manufacturers, importers, users, collectors and recyclers of Electrical and electronic equipment,

The minister also touched on the E-waste fund and measures being put in place to disburse them and indicated that the advanced Eco Levy is the main source of fund for the E-waste fund.

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“Modalities are being put in place to start the disbursement of the funds once all the items on the HS Code have been effectively rolled out for collection. MESTI in consultation with the EPA and the Fund is also developing procedures and processes to ensure the effective disbursement and usage of funds once the full rollout begins,” he added.

Source: thenewsroomonline.com