Ghana Standards Authority Justifies Introduction Of G-CAP

The Ghana Standards Authority says the introduction of the Ghana Conformity Assessment Programme G-CAP is not meant to introduce new pre-shipment inspection rules and impose new fees on importers. 

It is rather to help ease congestion at the Port and promote honest trade practices. 

At a meeting to allay the fears of importers and to disabuse the misconception they have about the programme, the Deputy Executive Director of the Authority, Kofi Nagatey, said the move will prevent the importation of substandard products that are detrimental to the health of the people and the environment. 

He tasked importers to ensure that all products under the G-CAP Programme are accompanied by certificates of conformity from the service providers appointed by the Ghana Standards Authority.  

Meanwhile, importers in the country are kicking against the introduction of a Certificate of Conformity by the Ghana Standards Authority, GSA. 

The GSA says the Certificate will be a document issued as evidence of compliance with the relevant internationally approved standards. 

The Certificate of Conformity is aimed among others at preventing the importation of unsafe, sub-standard or counterfeit goods. 

The importers however say the introduction of the certificate will lead to duplicity of roles. 

Speaking to journalists after meeting with the Committee on Trade and Industry of Parliament, the President of GUTA, George  Kweku Ofori, said what the GSA is introducing is being done currently by destination inspection companies. 

The committee was optimistic that Parliament will intervene on their behalf having heard their apprehensions. 

GBC