Professor Alex Dodoo, the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), has affirmed that the Authority will continue its enforcement efforts to eradicate sub-standard electrical products from the market.
With Ghana hosting the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, Professor Dodoo emphasized the importance of ensuring compliance with high standards to promote effective and efficient businesses within the continent.
Speaking at a meeting in Accra with electrical cable dealers, he emphasized that the GSA's mandate is to protect consumers and facilitate trade, which includes conducting market surveillance to ensure adherence to the requirements outlined in the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078).
Over the years, the GSA Enforcement Unit has carried out various operations, identifying and confiscating non-compliant goods that fail to meet the required standards and laws.
The data from market surveillance reveals a concerning trend of non-conformities, particularly in the electrical products sector, specifically related to electrical cables.
Professor Dodoo stressed the importance of responsible business practices and highlighted the risks associated with counterfeit electrical cables, such as fire outbreaks and damage to the reputation of genuine quality cables in the market.
The GSA is dedicated to supporting businesses to thrive through fair means and encouraged companies to reach out to the Authority for any issues or concerns they may have.
As part of their commitment to enforcement, the GSA, in collaboration with their partner, has trained 220 standard officers nationwide to ensure strict compliance with standards across the country.
Mr Stephen Adu, the Head of Import Inspection at GSA, provided participants with insights into the procedures for approving imported electrical cables.
He emphasized that the Authority conducts thorough conformity assessments, including inspection, sampling, and testing, to determine the quality of the cables.
This initiative aims to prevent the importation of inferior goods and ensure a healthy and competitive trading system.
Mr George Anti, the Head of Enforcement at GSA, advised participants to follow the necessary procedures and obtain the Authority's mark of approval before selling their products.
He further emphasized that the GSA has the authority, as granted by the GSA Act, 2022 (Act 1078), to shut down companies that flout the law.
Dr Joseph Obeng, the President of the Ghana Union of Traders' Association, urged electrical cable dealers to adhere to standards to avoid facing penalties.
He highlighted the significance of standards in ensuring quality and encouraged cable dealers to always request certificates of conformity from their suppliers before engaging in business.
Several cable dealers expressed their support for the GSA's efforts and urged the Authority to take proactive measures in their enforcement exercises to eliminate fake electrical cables from the country.
