Ghana Standards Authority, in collaboration with enforcement units of the Ghana Police Service, has intensified its nationwide compliance and law enforcement operations, leading to the closure of four manufacturing companies at Afienya over the alleged production of substandard goods.
The intelligence-led operation, conducted without prior notice, targeted companies involved in the manufacturing of mattresses and garments, including Moonda, 8H, Bright Mattress, and Jua Sheng Garment Ghana Limited, a company known for producing boxer shorts.
Speaking after the exercise, the Greater Accra Regional Manager of the Ghana Standards Authority, Clement Kubati, disclosed that some of the affected companies had previously been shut down in 2024 and 2025 for producing goods that failed to meet approved safety and quality standards.
According to him, investigations revealed that some of the companies allegedly resumed operations illegally after breaking official seals placed on their facilities by the Authority.
He explained that the affected firms had restarted production without the knowledge, approval, or compliance certification of the Ghana Standards Authority, describing the actions as a serious violation of regulatory procedures.
Mr. Kubati stated that all four companies will remain closed until ongoing investigations are completed and the necessary regulatory requirements are fully satisfied.
He further revealed that most of the affected companies are owned by Chinese nationals and warned that the Authority would continue its aggressive compliance operation until substandard products are removed from the market.
As part of the operation, about six Chinese nationals linked to the affected companies were arrested and are expected to be processed before court for alleged violations of Ghana’s industrial and regulatory standards.
According to the Authority, some of the mattresses seized during the operation were manufactured with extremely poor-quality materials that could pose significant health and safety risks to consumers.
He noted that the influx of cheap substandard products onto the market is also threatening the survival of legitimate local manufacturers who invest heavily in producing quality and certified goods.
“These poor-quality products are sold at very cheap prices, making it difficult for companies producing standard and durable mattresses to survive. Some genuine businesses are gradually collapsing because of unfair competition from substandard manufacturers,” he stated.
The Ghana Standards Authority also urged consumers to remain vigilant and always verify whether products have been certified before purchasing or using them.
Consumers were specifically advised to look out for official certification marks from the Ghana Standards Authority to avoid exposure to unsafe or inferior products.
Mr. Kubati stressed that the ongoing enforcement forms part of broader national efforts to restore discipline, accountability, and safety standards within Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
He added that the Authority has received strong backing from President John Dramani Mahama to enforce compliance measures and ensure companies operating in Ghana adhere strictly to approved industrial standards.
“The country is undergoing a reset, and the Ghana Standards Authority is also resetting its operations. We will ensure that all companies operating in Ghana do the right thing and comply fully with our standards,” he emphasized.
Story by Freedom Else Lavoe/Ahotoronline.com