Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Michael Okyere Baafi says local manufacturers must improve the quality of goods and services to meet international market standards.
He said standards were needed for the full realization of the country’s potential for the betterment of society, stressing that without standards, the speed of change and innovation would not be possible.
Speaking at a flag hoisting ceremony to mark the World Standards Day by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) on Thursday, he stressed that standards are needed for the full realization of Ghana’s potential to enhance economic growth.
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According to him, GSA could not measure its success without the international benchmark applicable to all countries, hence, there is a need for authorities to insist that manufacturers ensure high standards of goods and services in the country.
“Innovations are driven not only by market but also by rewards of innovations and trademarks that are enabled by standardization. Standard serve as vehicles for knowledge sharing and innovation. I, therefore, urge the Ghana standard authority to forge a closer relationship with industry players and manufacturers in seeking answers to their needs in benchmarking quality for the production of goods and services aimed at the international market.” He said.
On his part, the Director-General of GSA, Professor Alex Dodoo said the Authority over the years had played a key role in promoting rapid industrialization through the development of relevant standards and conformity assessment activities like inspection, testing, and certification.
He noted that the Authority had agreed to use their certification and guidelines regime to ensure that the informal sector was recognised by the state to offer businesses to government agencies in the private entities and get rewarded.
The World Standards Day was on the theme: “Standards for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Our Shared Vision for a Better World”
The day allowed customers, partners, stakeholders, and the public to interact and familiarize themselves with the activities of the Authority.
Source: ATL FM NEWS
