From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi
THE GHANA Standard Authority (GSA) has asked Ghanaian importers to always import goods that are in line with the directives of the GSA to avoid sanctions and penalties. The Authority has, therefore, urged local importers to consider putting quality first before quantity.
Dr. George Ben Crentsil, the Executive Director of GSA reminded importers at an Importers’ forum held in Kumasi that sub standards goods imported into the country is not allowed and those who would fall foul of this requirement would be sanctioned.
The GSA Executive Director entreated importers to go for quality goods because sub-standard goods imported into the country will be seized when found.
He advised importers to seek guidance from the GSA as to what sort of goods are permitted and vice versa stressing that one cannot import items which are not permitted by law into the country.
The Director of the Inspectorate of GSA, Mr. Addai Adaquah, cautioned importers not to bring in items whose manuals are not in English.
He said ensuring that only quality goods are imported into the country is the shared responsibility of all and not a of the government and its agents.
According to Mr. Addai Adaquah, quality is not negotiable but price is negotiable and that importers must speak the language of quality in their day-to-day activities since that is the only way to convince consumers have confidence their products.
The out-going Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Eric Opoku urged Ghanaian importers to work closely with the GSA to obtain the relevant information and specifications for their goods. He said the forum was intended to train traders about issues relating to quality of goods and to ensure that, imported products meet the requirements of relevant standards.
Pix: Dr. George Ben Crentsil – Executive Director of GSA