NDC to implement weights and measurements system for farmers, traders

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced plans to introduce a Weights and Measurements System aimed at ensuring fair trade practices and consumer protection in Ghana.

National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, revealed this initiative while addressing constituents in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region as part of his five-day campaign.

Asiedu Nketiah explained that the system is designed to ensure that consumers receive accurate quantities for their purchases and that farmers and sellers are fairly compensated for their goods and services.

He explained that this initiative would not only benefit local farmers by ensuring they get value for their produce but also enhance consumer confidence and promote fair trading.

“When you look around our neighboring countries such as Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso, there is a weights and measurement system that ensures every farm produce by farmers is weighed on a scale so traders don’t cheat farmers, and farmers don’t cheat traders. When President Mahama assumes power in 2025, he will implement this policy.

"Weighing scales will be provided to markets for weighing food items for corresponding market prices. This is not a price control mechanism; it is just to ensure fairness,” Johnson Asiedu Nketia stated.

Experts have noted that a reliable Weights and Measurements system is essential for the growth of developing economies like Ghana. Accurate measurements, they argue, are fundamental to fostering economic growth as they instill consumer confidence, ensure fair trade practices, and create a level playing field for businesses.

In Ghana, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) is responsible for overseeing the country’s weights and measurements. The GSA is legally mandated to promote uniformity in weights and measures regulations, ensuring equity between buyers and sellers in the marketplace.