The Ghana Standards Authority Calls for Increased Investment

in Product Testing Infrastructure

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is calling for increased investment in product testing infrastructure to ensure Ghanaian goods meet the requirements of international markets, particularly the European Union.

Speaking during a working visit by the Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism to the Authority, Board Chairman of the GSA, Hudu Mogtari, emphasized the need for capital injection to strengthen testing systems and expand operational capacity.

The GSA notes that limited testing capacity continues to affect the country's ability to consistently meet strict export standards, resulting in past restrictions on some agricultural and non-traditional export products.

Ghana has, in previous years, faced bans from the European Union, affecting the export of vegetables, seafood, and other non-traditional commodities over concerns related to quality and compliance with international standards.

Ranking Member on the Committee, Michael Okyere Baafi, also urged the Authority to improve its internally generated funds (IGF) to reduce reliance on central government support and strengthen its financial sustainability.

He said a stronger revenue base would help the GSA expand its operations and improve service delivery to stakeholders in the export and manufacturing sectors.

The engagement forms part of efforts by Parliament to assess regulatory capacity and strengthen institutions responsible for trade facilitation and export compliance.

Ghana's agricultural and non-traditional exports are worth billions of Cedis annually, but the country's inability to meet European Union standards has resulted in significant losses for farmers and exporters.

In 2020, the European Union imposed a ban on Ghana's vegetable exports due to concerns over pesticide residues, resulting in losses of over Cedi 100 million for farmers.

The need for increased investment in product testing infrastructure is crucial for addressing the issue of export restrictions and improving Ghana's trade relations with the European Union.

It is reported that Ghana's agricultural and non-traditional exports are worth billions of Cedis annually.

### Key Facts

  • The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is calling for increased investment in product testing infrastructure.
  • Limited testing capacity is affecting Ghana's ability to meet European Union export standards.
  • Ghana has faced EU export restrictions in the past due to concerns over quality and compliance with international standards.
  • The GSA is urging improvement in its internally generated funds (IGF) to reduce reliance on central government support.
  • Ghana's agricultural and non-traditional exports are worth billions of Cedis annually.

The GSA's efforts to improve its testing capacity and meet European Union standards are expected to benefit Ghana's export sector and improve the country's trade relations with the European Union.

In the coming months, the GSA plans to introduce new testing procedures and equipment to enhance its capacity to test products in line with European Union standards.

The Authority is also working to improve its communication with stakeholders, including farmers and exporters, to ensure they are aware of the requirements for exporting to the European Union.

These efforts represent a significant step towards improving Ghana's export sector and enhancing the country's trade relations with the European Union. The success of the GSA's initiatives will have a direct impact on the country's economy, particularly for farmers and exporters.

The GSA will continue to work closely with stakeholders to overcome the challenges of export restrictions and improve the country's trade relations with the European Union.