EPA to Introduce Regulatory Framework for Used Clothing Imports Amid Environmental Concerns
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has announced plans to establish a new regulatory framework governing the importation of second-hand clothing, popularly known as “Obroni wawu,” in response to growing environmental and waste management challenges.
The initiative follows a recent Channel One TV documentary titled Rags and Riches, which exposed the severe environmental threats posed by the large volumes of unwearable imported used clothing that end up in landfills, drainage systems, and open spaces across the country.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily programme on Monday, March 16, 2026, EPA Head of Sustainability and Circular Economy, Larry Kotoe, revealed that the proposed policy will adopt an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach. This model will hold fashion brands, importers, and other stakeholders accountable for the entire lifecycle of the clothing, including proper disposal and management after use.
“We are currently at the drafting stage, where we will be handing over the technical tracker, as we call it, to the Attorney General’s Department. We hope to have it in Parliament in June,” Kotoe explained.
The framework aims to address the unsustainable influx of low-quality or damaged second-hand clothing, much of which cannot be reused and contributes significantly to Ghana’s solid waste crisis. By shifting responsibility to producers and importers, the EPA hopes to reduce indiscriminate dumping, encourage recycling, promote circular economy practices, and improve overall waste management in the textile sector.
The move has been welcomed by environmental advocates who have long criticised the unregulated second-hand clothing trade for overwhelming local waste systems and harming public health through blocked drains and polluted environments.
Once finalised and passed into law, the policy is expected to introduce stricter quality controls on imports, mandatory take-back schemes, recycling obligations, and potential fees or levies to fund proper disposal infrastructure.
The EPA’s announcement signals a broader push toward sustainable consumption and waste management practices in Ghana, aligning with national efforts to combat environmental degradation and build a more circular economy. Further stakeholder consultations and public input are anticipated as the draft moves through the legislative process toward parliamentary approval.
