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Exporters advised to work with
Standards Board
Accra, Nov. 30, Ghanadot/GNA – Mr. Joe Baidoe-Ansah,
Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and
Presidential Special Initiative, on Friday expressed concern
about export of poor quality agricultural produce, resulting
in its rejection by the European Union market.
He said exporters should not shun the expertise of the Ghana
Standards Board, adding: "It is for your own benefit to make
use of the institution established to advise you to succeed
in export."
Mr Baidoe-Ansah made the remarks at a luncheon and an award
ceremony organised by the Ghana Standards Board to mark its
40th anniversary.
Fifteen past directors and executive directors of the Board
were presented with plaques and certificates for their
contribution to the success of the Board.
The Minister said ensuring compliance with industrial and
other global export standards was crucial, especially for
small-scale exporters in order not to lose their
investments.
He said the Board's achievement spanned not only the
corridors of ECOWAS but was also serving on the Development
Committee and the International Organisation for
Standardisation and as being a Council Member of the African
Organisation for Standardisation.
The Board, he said, also commanded high respect in metrology
and was also the EU competent authority for fish.
He urged the Board to work with the Ministry to implement
the Trade Sector Support programme, the UNIDO Trade Capacity
Building Programme and the West Africa Quality Programme yet
to be launched.
Mr Adu G. Dankwa, Executive Director of the Board,
attributed its success to dedication and commitment from
staff, stakeholders and the general public, saying, "we look
forward to private sector support to attain greater
heights".
He said there was the need for policies that would ensure
effective technical regulation, consumer protection to
ensure conformity with standards.
Mr Dankwa also called on government to tap the experience of
some retired staff of the Board to enhance performance.
Dr Emmanuel Lartey, the first Executive Director of the
Board, urged the Board to collaborate with the Institute of
Industrial Research to establish a National Patents Office
in the country.
He said more attention should be paid to human resource
development and infrastructure to enhance the Certification
and Mark Scheme to ensure quality control.
GNA
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