Parliamentary Committee Urges Government to Fund Ghana Standards Authority

The Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry, and Tourism has declared that the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) needs more financial backing to do its job properly. Chairman Alexander Roosevelt Hottordze stated this after a visit to the GSA’s facilities. He observed that old laboratory machines and not enough workers are stopping the GSA from working as well as it should.

Mr. Hottordze emphasized that the GSA’s work is crucial for everyone’s safety. The committee members saw firsthand the challenges the Authority faces. They noted that outdated equipment and a lack of skilled staff create significant operational hurdles. This situation directly impacts the GSA’s ability to check and approve products sold in Ghana.

These issues come at a time when Ghana is dealing with a rise in low-quality goods. The GSA is tasked with stopping these substandard items from entering the market. For example, the Authority recently closed down a company illegally making mattresses. This shows the importance of the GSA's enforcement role, which is weakened by its current resource constraints. The committee also highlighted the need for the GSA to help the government achieve its economic goals, like the ‘Big Push Agenda’.

Mr. Hottordze urged stakeholders to work together to find ways for the GSA to generate more income internally. He also suggested exploring partnerships, like with the Ghana Armed Forces, to enforce standards more effectively. The committee wants to see better checks on products like fuel to ensure consumers receive fair value. This would require investment in calibrated equipment for accurate measurements.

Professor George Agyei, the Director-General of GSA, acknowledged the challenges. He appealed to the committee for help with bureaucratic delays in getting funds and a larger share of the Authority’s internally generated funds. These funds are needed for important upgrades to buildings and equipment. Mr. George Kojo Anti, Director of International Affairs at GSA, assured the committee of their commitment to enforcing standards. He expressed optimism that the committee’s visit would speed up hiring more staff nationwide.