GUTA withdraws objections to Ghana EasyPass Programme after GSA clarification

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has withdrawn its concerns over the Ghana EasyPass Programme following clarifications by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) that the initiative does not introduce new taxes, mandatory compliance requirements or additional costs for traders and importers.

In a statement released on Friday, July 10, 2026, the two parties said the disagreement stemmed from a misunderstanding of the programme's implementation guidelines rather than the introduction of a new government policy.

GUTA had earlier raised concerns that the EasyPass Programme could increase the cost of imports by imposing additional regulatory obligations on businesses.

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However, the GSA explained that the Ghana EasyPass Programme is not a new initiative but an existing conformity assessment scheme that has been in operation for the past 10 years.

“The Ghana EasyPass Programme is not a new policy or programme. It has been in continuous operation for the past ten (10) years as an established conformity assessment scheme of the Ghana Standards Authority,” the statement said.

According to the Authority, the recently released operational guidelines were intended only to clarify how the programme is implemented and should not be interpreted as introducing new policies, levies or regulatory requirements.

The GSA further assured traders that participation in the programme remains voluntary, adding that businesses that choose not to enrol would continue to operate under the existing conformity assessment system without incurring additional costs or restrictions.

It also clarified that certification costs for imported products are borne by manufacturers and exporters in the country of origin, not by Ghanaian importers or traders.

Following the explanations, GUTA acknowledged that its earlier objections were based on a misunderstanding of the programme's scope and operation.

The association said the concerns outlined in its previous petition had been fully addressed following engagements with the Ghana Standards Authority.

As part of the agreement, GUTA and the GSA have agreed to establish a permanent consultative mechanism to strengthen collaboration on standards enforcement, conformity assessment and trade facilitation.

The two institutions said the platform would promote regular engagement between regulators and the business community while supporting consumer protection, fair competition and greater certainty within Ghana's trading environment.

The resolution is expected to reassure traders and importers who had expressed concerns over the programme and strengthen cooperation between the private sector and regulators in promoting quality standards and facilitating legitimate trade.

The Ghana EasyPass Programme forms part of the Ghana Standards Authority's conformity assessment framework, which seeks to ensure that products imported into Ghana comply with national standards, improve consumer safety, enhance product quality, and support fair trading practices.

DR/MA