GSA urges young entrepreneurs to tap certification waivers
By Rebecca Okine
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has encouraged young entrepreneurs, particularly those in agrifood and manufacturing, to take advantage of certification waivers available to businesses registered with the Ghana Enterprises Agency (GEA).
Chief Scientific Officer at the GSA’s Product Certification Department, Engineer Rachel Amanfo, made the call during the UG-Nkabom Collaborative Dialogue on Agrifood Regulation and Youth Entrepreneurship, organised by the University of Ghana in partnership with McGill University and the Mastercard Foundation.
Engineer Amanfo explained that the initiative is designed to ease the financial burden on start-ups while ensuring that youth-led enterprises meet regulatory requirements necessary for growth.
“For start-ups, we usually have some form of window for them, especially when they are registered with the Ghana Enterprises Agency. When you come with that certificate, we have some waivers without the fees, so it makes your process cheaper and the youth don’t pay the same as the big companies,” she said.
Engineer Amanfo noted that certification is often a major challenge for new businesses due to cost and technical processes. She stressed that the GSA has put in place support systems such as information sharing, training and technical assistance to guide start-ups through the certification process.
She emphasised that the GSA maintains a welcoming environment for young entrepreneurs seeking support.
“Young people and young start-ups can always walk into our services. You don’t need to know anyone before you are served. You get an expert who will speak to you, and any question you have will be answered,” Engineer Amanfo assured.
According to her, the entire certification process takes about two months, after which businesses are issued the licences required for their products and operations.
This, she said, gives youth entrepreneurs credibility and competitiveness in both local and international markets.
Engineer Amanfo also highlighted the importance of compliance in boosting consumer confidence and helping start-ups attract investors.
She encouraged the youth not only to pursue innovation but to integrate regulatory standards into their growth strategies.
The UG-Nkabom Collaborative Dialogue provided a platform for regulators, policymakers and entrepreneurs to deliberate on strategies to strengthen youth entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector.
