The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will establish its office in the newly created Oti region by June 2020, as part of efforts to extend its services nationwide.
The GSA will then continue to set up offices in the remaining five new regions at least by early 2021.
The move forms part of effort to support local businesses to meet international standards and compete favorably when the Africa Continental Free Trade Area agreement takes-off in July 2020.
This was disclosed when the Director-General, Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Alex Dodoo met with the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. Kwesi Owusu-Yeboa to GSA’s plan to register its presence in the region.
Prof. Dodoo explained the establishment of the office in the region is part of the government’s resolve to enhancing access to services that will support the operations of Small and Medium-size Enterprises.
“”We have seen the potential of this Region in contributing to government’s agenda of a Ghana Beyond Aid due to the activities at the border and also the huge farming potential of the Region,” he emphasized.
He added that government therefore to regionalize all its services in Oti to help businesses reduce cost of travelling long distances for access.
The Regional Minister was delighted over GSA’s plan to establish its presence in the region, describing it as a relief to local businesses.
“We are happy to receive you and pledge our support to help you in the area of standardization and inspection activities,” the minister noted.
He added that the Ministry would help the GSA to set up its offices across the region especially along the border so as to intensify its inspection activities and plug revenue leakages.
The GSA, via its National Aflatoxin Sensitization and Management (NASAM) project, is in the Oti and Volta Regions to educate farmers, agricultural extension officers, and the general public on the dangers and management of aflatoxins.
Story by: Abdul Rahman Saani
