HE Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has called on manufacturers and industry players to uphold the highest standards of their products by investing in compliance and testing.
That, she said, would ensure that products met global quality requirements, remain competitive and contribute to economic development.
“I call, first of all, on manufacturers and industry players to invest in compliance and testing to uphold the highest standards for quality as the gateway to growth,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by the chairperson of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) Board, Hudu Mogtari, at this year’s World Standards Day celebration.
Standards Day
The World Standards Day is observed annually on October 14 with the aim of raising awareness among regulators, industries and consumers about the importance of standardisation to the global economy.
It pays tribute to the experts who develop voluntary technical agreements that are published as international standards.
This year’s day was on the theme: “Shared Vision for a Better World: Spotlight on SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals”.
The sector minister, Ms Ofosu-Adjare, commended the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for its unwavering dedication to protecting consumers, supporting industrial growth and safeguarding public health, adding, “Today’s celebration is not just about recognising technical documents; it’s about appreciating the invisible backbone of quality and trust”.
She highlighted the GSA’s pivotal role in facilitating industrial growth and supporting agribusiness through the development of food safety standards.
She added that the launch of the Ghana Digital Conformity Project and other digital initiatives reflects the GSA’s commitment to combating counterfeits and enhancing compliance for businesses.
Ms Ofosu-Adjare stressed the importance of robust standards for achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area, stating, “Standardisation reduces trade barriers and strengthens consumer confidence in cross-border commerce”.
Partners
The sector minister called on development partners to continue supporting Ghana in strengthening its quality infrastructure to meet the demands of global trade.
That, she said, would enable Ghana’s economic competitiveness and participation in international trade.
She also urged staff of the standards authority to continue their tireless work with renewed commitment, adding, “You are the unsung guardians of Ghana’s safety and competitiveness”.
She added that the government would also modernise lab infrastructure and expand testing capabilities and ensure harmonisation of the country’s standards with global best practices.
“Let’s remember that standards are not just technicalities but the foundation of the Ghana we aspire to build; safe, fair, innovative and prosperous,” she said.
Commitment
The Acting Director-General of the GSA, Prof. George Agyei, stressed the GSA’s commitment to fostering partnerships, revealing that the Authority had collaborated with international and regional bodies like the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the African Organisation for Standardisation.
These partnerships, he said, had led to tangible results, enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in both regional and national trade.
He further reiterated the GSA’s commitment to deepening engagement with public and private stakeholders, expanding collaboration with industry associations and promoting research and innovation in standardisation.
