GSA moves to enforce standards, protect businesses

By Isaac AIDOO, Accra

GHANA’S regulatory body that oversees standards, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), is upbeat about the protection of consumers and businesses from unwholesome, substandard goods and services.

The authority led by Prof Alex Dodoo has been working assiduously to promote adherence to standards across the real sectors of the Ghanaian economy, with an unwavering commitment to spurring industrial growth  

Focused on its core mandate of promoting national standards, industry growth, and safety, the GSA has launched the National Quality Policy (NQP), the Ghana Standards Act 2022 (Act 1078) and GSA’s five-year strategic plan.

The three Quality Infrastructure (QI) initiatives in Ghana come under the Ghana Economic Transformation Project (GETP) and will among others promote private investments and spur the growth of firms in non-resource-based sectors.

While the NQP is aimed at ensuring that goods traded in the country are designed, manufactured, and supplied to respond to the needs, expectations, and requirements of consumers, the Act establishes the GSA as the Authority responsible for the creation and promulgation of standards and its enforcement.

The strategic plan, on the other hand, aims at consolidating gains made in the past to building an advanced quality infrastructure institution that is competitive, protects consumers and supports the country’s industrialisation drive.

 Director General of the GSA, Prof. Alex Dodoo notes that the coming into force of the NQP and the GSA Strategic Plan are to ensure the protection of society and lives.

“Without adhering to international standards, Ghana may not be able to enjoy the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as products from the country will continue to suffer rejection due to non-conformity with standards” he warned.

Prof Dodoo maintained that “these initiatives reflect Ghana’s commitment to quality, innovation, and competitiveness on the global stage. As we forge ahead, it is critical for all stakeholders – public and private, to work together to ensure the realisation of these initiatives and ensure that quality remains at the heart of our country’s progress”

The new Ghana Standards Authority Act, 1078 of 2022 which Parliament passed and swiftly received presidential assent had given the GSA a modern law to boost its operations, replacing the 50 year old law.

The Act is designed as part of the National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) to help improve the Standardization, Conformity Assessment and Metrology framework in Ghana in line with international treaties, best practices and national development priorities.

“Now all our certification, all our standardization are in line with the WTO and international best practice. The law clearly empowers the Authority to work in concert with other state agencies to avoid conflicts and then it protects consumers and industry,”

The Act comes with enforcement powers and administrative sanctions. There are penalties for infractions of the law, in that the Director General is given powers by the law to close down institutions which fail to conform to the national standards.

He pointed out that the law gives room for industry to adjust and correct anomalies failing which penalties are imposed.

“The administrative penalties are huge, starting from 500 units which is equivalent to GH¢6000 and then it grows by the day. For each day that the infractions remain the culprit accrues fines,” he disclosed.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry  maintains it is keen to deliver the overall objective of the Quality Policy, which is to provide a concise and coherent framework for regulatory and institutional reforms to ensure that goods and services emanating from or traded in Ghana meet the expectation of consumers and requirements of regulators in the local and export market.

GSA launches Automotive Code to enforce standards

As part of measures to transform Ghana’s vehicle fleet into a safe, modern and environmentally efficient one, compulsory vehicle standards are required to ensure that all vehicle components and parts meet the appropriate national standards.

It will ensure the proper assembly and testing confirmed by the GSA and a Homologation Certificate issued.

The GSA has played a vital role in this process by developing standards and regulating various aspects of the industry.

As a result, four key standards have been established, covering new saloon cars, SUVs, minibuses, minivans, pickups, and used vehicles in general.

To create awareness of these standards and their impact on the Ghanaian automotive industry, the GSA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ghana Automotive Development Centre has launched the Ghana Automotive Code.