Customs destroys used mattresses
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in the Tema Collection Area has destroyed large quantities of used mattresses seized at the Tema Port because of a breach of import regulations.
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The mattresses were destroyed at the Kpone old landfill site under the joint supervision of the Ghana Health Service (Port Health), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the National Security, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, among other agencies.
The 2,015 mattresses, which had been brought into the country in 13 containers and estimated at GH¢113,000, were seized between January 2014 and March this year.
Deterrent
The officer in charge of the State Warehouse, Chief Revenue Officer, Mr Malik A. Mahama, said the action was meant to serve as a deterrent.
He said the GRA had to bear the cost of the destruction, adding that the various foam companies provided support for the exercise by carting the seized items to the landfill site.
"The reason behind this destruction is that some of these mattresses may be infected with certain diseases which could be transferred to the users in Ghana," he explained.
He cautioned importers to avoid clashes with the law by importing only items that were acceptable and deemed legal, noting that importers risked losing their investments if they defied the ban placed on the importation of certain items.
Writer's email: Benjamin.glover@graphic.com.gh
