We must stay vigilant against unapproved products on the market - Prof. Alex Duodo

The Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Alex Duodoo, has emphasised the need for vigilance as unapproved products continue to infiltrate the market.

He said that despite efforts to maintain high standards, the Authority has observed worrying levels of non-compliance, particularly among imported goods such as electrical cables.

Data from the GSA revealed that at one point, about 80% of imported electrical cables failed to meet safety standards. Although increased enforcement has brought this figure down to below 50%, the issue remains a serious concern.

He revealed that traditional measures, such as inspections at ports of entry and product certification, are no longer sufficient as products often bypass these checkpoints through online platforms, re-exportation loopholes, and other unauthorised channels, eventually re-entering local markets.

To address these challenges, he said that legal reforms in 2022 granted the GSA the authority to appoint inspectors with powers of entry, seizure, and destruction of substandard goods. This marked a turning point, enabling the GSA to act decisively without relying on lengthy court processes.

According to him, under this mandate, non-compliant products are removed from the market, fines are imposed on offenders, and the products are destroyed to prevent further circulation.

With the festive season driving increased consumer demand, the risk of unapproved products flooding the market due to their lower prices has also risen. He noted that the GSA has stepped up its market surveillance efforts, focusing on removing non-compliant goods rather than penalising traders.

He emphasised that achieving a safer marketplace requires collective effort. Consumers are encouraged to prioritise quality and report any suspicious products to help curb the influx of unapproved goods. He assured the public that the GSA remains dedicated to safeguarding public safety and maintaining confidence in the market.