Stories and facts
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), formerly known as the Ghana Standards Board (GSB), is a government agency in Ghana tasked with upholding acceptable standards for products, services, and management practices across industries and public institutions in the country.
Established in 1973 by the National Redemption Council (NRC) Decree 173, the Ghana Standards Authority was set up under the Standards Decree of 1967 (NLCD 199), which was later superseded by the Standards Decree of 1973 (NRCD 173). The authority also oversees the Weights and Measures Decree (NRCD 326, 1975).
The primary functions of the Ghana Standards Authority include:
- Establishing and promoting standards for the manufacturing of high-quality goods and services.
- Elevating standards in industry and commerce.
- Enhancing productivity and efficiency in workplaces.
- Promoting standards related to public health, safety, and consumer welfare.
The Ghana Standards Authority operates through various divisions, each focused on specific aspects of standards and regulation. These divisions include Metrology, Standards, Testing, Certification, Inspectorate, Administration & Organizational Development, and Finance & Corporate Planning.
In executing its functions, the Ghana Standards Authority employs the MSTQ (Metrology, Standards, Testing, and Quality Assurance) strategy. The authority's involvement in industry encompasses developing standards, certifying systems used in industries, certifying products, and providing training to industries to ensure compliance with set standards.
The Ghana Standards Authority also plays a critical role in promoting product safety, particularly by monitoring imported and exported goods through official entry points into Ghana. These entry points include Tema Harbour, Takoradi Harbour, Kotoka International Airport, Aflao, Elubo, and Paga.
As part of its affiliations, the Ghana Standards Authority is linked with several international organizations, including the International Standards Organisation (ISO), International Organisation for Legal Meteorology (OIML), African Organisation for Standardization (ARSO), CODEX Alimentarius Commission (CODEX), Africa Electro-Technical Commission (AFSEC), International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and ASTM International.
The decentralized operational structure of the Ghana Standards Authority, with regional offices in Ho, Koforidua, Takoradi, Kumasi, Sunyani, Cape Coast, and Tamale, ensures effective monitoring and supervision of standards across different regions of Ghana, thereby promoting uniformity and compliance in industry and commerce.
