Some University of Ghana students are voicing strong opposition to a ban on second-hand clothing by Greenpeace Africa.
This comes after a recent call by the leading environmental group, Greenpeace Africa, on the government to ban the importation of second-hand clothing commonly referred to as “foss“ or “bend-down boutique.”
Project Lead of the Pan-African Plastics Project at Greenpeace Africa, Hellen Kahaso Dena, also presented a report called “Fast Fashion, Slow Poison: The Toxic Textile Crisis in Ghana,” in which she warned that imported textile waste often contains harmful chemicals, posing serious risks to Ghana’s environment and public health.
Given this, Univers Business spoke to some students, and they raised their concerns about the suggestion of a ban on second-hand clothing and how it will affect their lives.
“The ban on reselling Foss will significantly impact student entrepreneurs who rely on these sales for their income, especially while waiting for student loans, which can take time to process. Many of us cannot easily travel to Accra or Makola to buy directly, so we depend on students for these products. This ban will affect both the sellers and the buyers.”
”Many of us cannot afford designer or African print clothing. Instead of buying materials and hiring a seamstress, we rely on affordable options, sometimes as low as 25 to 30 cedis, for nice corporate wear. This affordable clothing is essential for managing our expenses, so the ban should not happen.”
“Banning students from selling Foss to their peers harms both aspiring entrepreneurs and those who can’t afford clothing. It limits entrepreneurial opportunities while forcing others to depend on “bend-down boutiques” for affordable options.”
The students opposed Greenpeace Africa’s ban on second-hand clothing, fearing it will hurt student entrepreneurs and limit affordable options for those in need.
Story by: Promise Yaa Dakey| Univers.ug.edu.gh
