Nana Osei is a non conformist filled with a lofty zeal to continually put food on the table for himself and his extended family. Usually referred to as Osei Germany by his associates and other pals, he traces his roots to a family along the hills of Kwahu- a tribe known for their rather swift business strategies. After sojourning for over a decade in the former Nazi governed Germany, Osei now owns a shop in Osu, along the beach road. His stock is diverse but chiefly, used (second hand) goods.
A bus ride with Osei Germany from the harbour city, Tema, to the central business district brought out a fairly astounding experience. The one-hour trip was relatively smooth though it was impossible to get myself glued to my seat as I could not resist viewing the sight outside the van. Before arriving in the city centre of Accra, I had counted not less than fifty outlets (superstores and make-shift shops alike) openly displaying used wares for sale.
Coincidentally, all these shops had patrons who were either checking out certain items or moving them into their cars. My utmost shock was how all these shops paraded chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerators. Knowing perfectly the dangers of this Freon to the environment, I pinched myself so hard to believe importers/dealers of such wares were ignorant of the long standing ban on such wares in several parts of the world. Is this your first time hearing CFC?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a family of chemical compounds developed back in the 1930's as safe, non-toxic, non-flammable alternative to dangerous substances like ammonia for purposes of refrigeration and spray can propellants. Their usage grew enormously over the years and it became acknowledged the chlorine has the potential to destroy large amounts of ozone. This was vindicated after careful observation, especially over Antarctica after levels of genetically harmful ultraviolet radiation have increased.
Seeking for the impetus and rationale for such operations, I went window shopping at Osei Germany’s store for first hand information. His wares included television sets, ghetto blasters and microwaves aside refrigerators. I found out that Osei was aware of the dangers his refrigerators pose not only to the ozone layer but to the health of millions of people. Obviously blinded by profit margins, Osei imports such items deliberately ignoring the health hazards.
The aggressive looking Ghanaian businessman revealed there is a relatively larger demand for used items. This he attributes to affordable prices.
“These appliances will finish in no time because they are cheap and everyone can buy one. The new ones in boxes are for the rich people in society. Whenever I have new things, there is a massive rush for them. The fridges and televisions move faster than the radios and others” were his words.
Jemima is a young lady in her mid twenties and apparently a regular patron of Osei. That was her third visit to the shop in the month. She had come to buy a Greenwood branded microwave. According to Jemima, all electrical gadgets in her house were purchased from Osei.
“This place has the best things from television, fridges and radio tapes. Then he was also selling blenders, furniture among others. We don’t have any problems with the things I bought from here”.
Another gentleman who prefers used (second hand) appliances is forty-year old Daniel Ekow. According to Dan, used goods usually last twice the lifespan of new ones particularly with television sets. “My younger brother is a television repairer who explained to me new appliances are not good. Also their parts are not in abundance so it is very difficult to repair when it breaks down”.
Just like Jemima, Dan is ignorant of CFC gases and the dangers they pose to the world at large. There is currently an increase in the influx of such banned goods around the world into Ghana. Can’t we have any legislation to stop this? It appears Ghana is eventually becoming a dumping ground with persons like Osei Germany who have expressed no willingness to stop such operations. Moreover, there are over one thousands of people ready and able to patronize “second hand” goods.
