Ministry suspends G-CAP implementation 

The Ministry of Trade and Industry says it has suspended the implementation of the G-CAP to allow for deeper consultation with stakeholders.  

It has therefore appealed to business associations in the country to rescind their decision to embark on a joint strike tomorrow. 

The Ministry in a statement said it recognises and appreciates some of the challenges businesses are going through but appeals to the associations not to aggravate the country’s economic situation by withdrawing their services. 

It said the Ministry of Trade and Industry has already taken steps to address most of their concerns. 

It says  the Associations are aware of the leadership role the ministry is playing in the fight for a reduction in interest rates, to decongest the harbour by reducing the number of operators, as well as promote Made-in-Ghana goods so as to increase the demand for local products and to strengthen employment.   

It said the decision of the business associations to go on strike could be misconstrued to mean a disappointment with the success of the IMF negotiations and an effort to undermine the national economy.  

It appealed to the groups to use all available channels of negotiations with relevant government agencies, rather than take actions that will adversely affect  the country's GDP growth, cause unemployment, dislocate businesses and  worsen its economic prospects. 

The Ghana Conformity Assessment Programme, G-CAP, is when goods imported into the country are subjected to strict inspection at their original destination.

G-CAP is intended to curb the importation of sub-standard goods into the country. 

The G-CAP was signed by Ghana Standards Authority, Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) and Bureau Veritas Group (BIVAC) to provide conformity assessment on imported goods upon its implementation.

GBC