The Ghana Standards Board (GSB) has vowed to wage war on substandard goods importation to ensure consumer safety and protection.
 
Mr. Charles Amoako, Ashanti Regional Manager of the Board, said the GSB is determined to make sure that there is quality assurance to rid the market of fake and inferior products.
     
The GSB will however require the co-operation of other regulatory agencies including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food and Drugs Board (FDB) and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to achieve this.    

Mr, Amoako was addressing a day's forum the GSB organised for importers in the region yesterday. More than 150 importers and representatives from the Trade and Industry Ministry, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS), FDB, EPA and NPA participated.
    
 The meeting carefully examined the challenges facing the board and identified ways of addressing issues related to safety, quality and compatibility, enhanced sustainability and good regulatory practices. It also adopted effective strategies for collaboration in the protection of consumers and the environment.
     
The topics discussed ranged from "Inspection of high risk goods and its challenges," "The role of CEPS in combating the clearance of counterfeit and substandard goods" to "The destination inspection scheme - a tool for consumer protection".
     
Mr. Amoako said they will see to it that designated goods are suitable and safe for consumer use before they are allowed for distribution and sale in the country.
     
Mr. Bartholomew Ken Gbireh, CEPS Sector Commander, called for the revision of the various trademarks copyright law to check counterfeiting. Besides, CEPS needs to be sufficiently empowered to effectively combat fake goods import, he said.
     
Mr. Kofi Nagratey, Director of Inspection Destination, GSB, advised importers to seek more information on their businesses to avoid falling foul to the law. Mr. Ntim Donkoh, Acting Director of Trade Facilitation, Ministry of Trade and Industry, said the Ministry is working on a law that will set up structures for consumer protection.
     
Mrs. Philomena Boakye Appiah, EPA Regional Director, appealed to importers of dual-purpose agricultural goods to seek expert advice from the Agency. Yaw Owusu, Regional Chairman of Ghana National Chamber of Commerce, urged Ghanaians to patronise made in Ghana goods to help grow the local industries and businesses.

Source: GNA