Faced with economic turmoil, the government of Ghana has temporarily halted the importation of some electrical appliances and renewable energy products.

The prohibition is yet to be implemented.

The ban affects about 20 electrical appliances.

The decision also prohibits its sale.

Electrical products like air conditioners, comfort fans, computers, distribution transformers, washing machines, microwave ovens, refrigerating appliances, and rice cookers are affected by the decision.

Also, electric kettles, electric motors, incandescent lamps, and industrial fans among others were banned.

The Minister of Energy Matthew Opoku Prempeh in a statement explained what triggered the prohibition decision.

He noted that the ban is “to prevent Ghana from becoming a desirable destination for both new but substandard and used appliances, to save the economy by reducing electricity demand which necessitates additional generation capacity with its associated fuel cost.“To protect the environment and safeguard the health of citizens from air pollution caused by increased power generation; and to protect the consumer from purchasing unsuitable appliances and the payment of unnecessarily high electricity bills.”

The Minister further urged “the general public, particularly importers of electrical appliances and renewable energy products as well as prospective manufacturers to note” the above.