Dealers in used clothing concern about poor quality building material

Dealers in used clothing in Koforidua, have advised the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), to ensure that the building industry adheres to approved standards and quality of materials.

They mentioned materials such as iron rods, blocks, nails and other major materials in building as some of the areas that the GSA needed to strengthen its monitoring role to ensure that the right requirements are met to save lives and property.

The traders contended that the numerous reports of collapsed buildings were as a result of inferior materials being sold to the unsuspecting public.

The traders gave the advice in a sensitisation forum on the ban on used under wears in Koforidua.

The GSA and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) organised the forum to educate dealers in used clothing on the ban of panties, brassieres, singlet’s, handkerchiefs among other items.

Mr Charles Amoako, a Director at the GSA, assured the traders that the association was checking standards at all business avenues including the building industry and also ensuring that, measurements levels were up to standard.

He said the job of the GSA cut across all industries to ensure that goods and services met the right acceptable standard.

Mr Amoako refuted allegations that the banning of the used underwear was political to throw some people out of business.

According to him, research had proved that there were certain viruses that were resistant to chemicals and so no matter how those items were washed, the germs could cause health hazards to the users.

Mr John Akowiah, the Regional Coordinator of MOTI, said the two institutions had taken time to educate the public to understand the health implications of used underwears and had also given the dealers enough time to wind up their trade.

He said the educational programmes were being done to give the exercise a human face.**