Trade Ministry warns against sub-standard electricals

The Ministry of Trade and Industry has expressed concern about sub-standard electrical appliances and accessories on the market, which have not gone through the required mandatory inspection at the port or point of clearance.

These appliances which include electric cables, switches, sockets and plugs, electric pressing irons, incandescent bulbs and fluorescent tubes could be causes of potential dangers such as fire-outbreaks that may result from their usage, a statement in Accra said.

The Trade Ministry advised the public to be wary when buying these goods and, if in doubt, contact the Ghana Standards Board (GCB) for confirmation of their quality.

It reminded all importers that it is a requirement under the "Export and Import Act, (Amendment) 2000" that all imported electrical appliances such as electric cables, switches, sockets, plugs, electric pressing irons and kettles, incandescent bulbs, fluorescent tubes should be physically inspected " before they are put on the market.

It said the GSB would soon mount an operation to retrieve all such sub-standard appliances and accessories from the market.

It advised dealers to keep copies of relevant import documents for inspection on demand by the GSB