The Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Professor George Agyei, has urged business leaders to see standards as a route to market growth rather than a regulatory burden.
Speaking during an engagement with a delegation from the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Prof. Agyei warned that non-compliance with standards is the single greatest impediment to Ghana’s export performance.
“Standards should not be seen as a bureaucratic burden. They should be seen as a competitive advantage for our businesses. Because once trust is broken, nobody will follow you again,” he said.
The GNCCI delegation was at the GSA to discuss matters of mutual interest, particularly how to strengthen the existing collaboration between the two bodies to the benefit of the Ghanaian business community.
Mr. Stephen Miezan, the President of the Chamber, said his team was also seeking a collaboration with the GSA to build the capacity of members to know and understand the basic standards on trade.
Prof. Agyei noted that strong local markets, built on quality, are the foundation for successful regional and global expansion. “A product that doesn’t meet standards is leaving a borrowed time. Sooner or later you break up the market,” he said.
The Director-General used the occasion to commend the Chamber for its proactive approach to standards advocacy among its members, describing the two institutions as natural allies with complementary mandates.
He urged the Chamber and its members to partner with the GSA adding that the leisure of the Authority is to see businesses booming across the country.
Mark Badu-Aboagye, the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, thanked the GSA for the fruitful engagement and its commitment to deeper collaboration on standards training, conformity assessment, and metrology.
“I see your work as very important and the Chamber is ready to support you,” he pointed out.
Also in attendance were top management members of the GSA including Dr. Awal Mohammed, Deputy Director-General in charge of Operations; Hon. Samuel Jabanyite, DDG-GEN; Mr. Francis Kojo Eshun, DDG-CAS and Ms. Barbara Wuttor-Asem, Acting Director of Administration.