Joint communiqué clarifies programme, commits to stronger stakeholder engagement
By Michael Owusu Ampomah
The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) have resolved concerns surrounding the Ghana EasyPass Programme following a high-level consultative meeting held in Accra.
The meeting was convened after GUTA petitioned the Office of the President, raising concerns about the implementation of the programme. The petition was copied to the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, the Director-General of the GSA and the Board Chairman of the Authority.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both institutions described their discussions as cordial and constructive, emphasizing their shared commitment to transparency, collaboration and the promotion of Ghana’s business environment.
The communiqué clarified that the Ghana EasyPass Programme is not a new policy, levy or regulatory requirement, but an established conformity assessment scheme that has been in operation for the past ten years. It explained that the document which recently generated public concern was merely an operational guideline intended for existing and prospective users of the programme.
The GSA further explained that compliance with mandatory Ghana Standards remains a statutory requirement for all products placed on the Ghanaian market, while participation in the EasyPass Programme is voluntary and intended to provide businesses with an opportunity to demonstrate higher standards of compliance as a competitive advantage.
Addressing concerns over possible financial implications, the communiqué stated that businesses opting out of the programme would continue operating under the existing conformity assessment arrangements without incurring any additional costs. It also clarified that certification fees relating to imported goods are borne by exporters and manufacturers at the point of origin and do not constitute new charges for Ghanaian traders.
GUTA acknowledged that its earlier concerns resulted from a misunderstanding of the programme’s scope and operation. Following the clarifications provided by the Ghana Standards Authority, the Association confirmed that the issues contained in its petition had been satisfactorily addressed.
For its part, the GSA pledged to strengthen stakeholder engagement and improve communication with GUTA and other private sector organisations on standards, conformity assessment and trade facilitation initiatives.
As part of the outcome of the meeting, both organisations agreed to establish a permanent consultative framework to facilitate regular dialogue on matters relating to standards, trade and consumer protection.
The two institutions reaffirmed their commitment to fairness, transparency and close public-private collaboration in promoting consumer confidence, supporting legitimate businesses and advancing Ghana’s economic development.