Lack of consumer awareness hampers standards enforcement
Poor quality consciousness among consumers is said to be impeding the work of regulatory agencies in enforcing standards in the country.
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In an interview with the Head of Public Relations Department at the GSA, Mr Kofi Amponsah-Bediako, on the level of consumer consciousness (CC), he said consumer consciousness was so low that it did not encourage indigenous companies, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to apply required standards.
“Elsewhere, consumers are so much conscious of what they buy, but in Ghana rotten food items are what people buy. Most people finish eating and when they are being sent to the hospital that’s when they realise that they have caused themselves harm. It would require individuals to help improve it. Poor quality consciousness is our greatest enemy in this country,” he said.
He added that although ensuring or observing quality consciousness was based on purchasing power, consumers should also try not to go in for cheaper sources of products and end up spending more on cure.
“Settling for sub-standard sources will result in one going to spend money in the hospital, but is that what we want? Do the right things so you will not spend money in bringing yourself back to life to stay strong and healthy,” he said.
Promoting SMEs
Statistics from the Ministry of Trade and Industry show that SMEs comprised more than 160,000 registered limited liability companies and more than 350,000 sole enterprises.
They also contribute more than 40 per cent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making them major contributions to economic growth, taxes ands employment.
However, they face a number of challenges which include inability to access the international market, a situation Mr Amponsah-Bediako attributed to their failure to adhere to required standards.
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“Standards serve as a guide to producers and ensure that businesses do not commit grievous mistakes before starting all over again. They also ensure that the final product that comes out is of acceptable quality and increases consumer confidence in that product,” he said.
He said applying standards, especially in the food and beverage sector, would prevent waste and products and ensure the safety of the consumer.
“SMEs that have been applying standards are always doing things very well. Producing according to standards and specifications ensure that the product is up to the required level and you can then be assured that the market will be good for you,” he said.
GSA Intervention
The GSA organises periodic sensitisation programmes for stakeholders in the sector on the need to apply standards in collaboration with National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI).
Regular monthly education outreach programmes are also carried out for sellers and consumers in all the regions.
“We expect consumers to also support us, but if we talk and they go to buy the wrong thing, it will defeat our efforts. Most of the time, that is the problem we face,” he said.