H.E Stephane Gompertz, Ambassador, Climate Change for Africa and Indian Ocean, has called on governments to stop the importation of old items into Africa.
Addressing a gathering at this year's Climate Change Conference organized by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), he called on Africans to discourage the use of old imports from foreign countries because to him, "Africans have the right like any other, like French men, like Germans; to use modern up-to-date technology.”
Ambassador Stephane Gompertz, speaking on the theme "Climate Change - The Real Issues Facing Ghana and Africa as a Whole"; was of strong view that years have gone by for Africa to continue depending on old equipment being shipped in stock to the continent.
He further commended the Government of Ghana for taking a giant step to ban the use of "old refrigerators" in the country.
To Ambassador Gompertz, the ban opens up a new era for good-conditioned items to invade the African continent.
“Ghana now has prohibited importing old refrigerators. I think it’s very wise measure. Now, some people could argue yes but those old refrigerators are cheap; therefore you prevent people from having a fridge. I’m not a specialist in refrigerators but I think the technology has evolved and the cost of such equipment gone down anyway.
He further called on the government to ban the imports of old cars into the country.
"It’s better to make sure that only imports of good condition will be allowed…I think the Government of Ghana is doing the right when it bans the import of old refrigerators and that will apply to old cars as well because indeed we cannot accept this situation to go on forever."
The Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) on Wednesday May 27, 2015 hosted a Climate Change Conference aimed at building a global-consented effort to improve Africa.
The conference which was hosted in collaboration with the French Embassy saw in attendance various stakeholders, Parliamentarians, politicians and a section of the media; to deliberate on the options for Africa to adjust its ways in the climate change era.
"Climate change and global warming pose a major and collective threat to biodiversity, food security, health and mankind in general. The threat of climate change and global warming is real and requires urgent action. Sadly, it seems as though these issues are not on the front burner of national discussions. Failure to act now will have disastrous consequences for future generations. It is therefore necessary for concrete mitigation measures to be taken to ensure a transition towards low carbon economies," the IEA report on climate change read.
Also touching on the issue, NPP Presidential aspirant and Ranking member of the Committee on Environment, Science and Technology Francis Addai Nimo lauded the IEA conference but added there is the need for the government to take measures to improve the African climate.
“I see all these issues about climate change and economic development to find a way of sustainably living on this planet because this the only planet that is able to accommodate life, water, air, the forest…If we cut the trees because of our livelihood, we need to have a source of energy. Some are using firewood, so definitely they will cut the trees. If we cut the trees, what is the mechanism for replacement of the tree that you cut?
“If you don’t want the first thing to cut the tree in the rural community to burn the charcoal, transport it or convey the charcoal to Accra/Kumasi for people to buy and use it to cook; then what should be the source? The other alternative, are you providing gas? If you’re providing gas, do the people the capacity, the resource to buy the gas cylinders and as well as the gas strove? So, you need to find the answers to that and these are all about what; solutions and development," he said. |
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