Trade Minister declares metrology the “invisible backbone” of industrialisation as it hosts AFRIMETS 2025
Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to metrology as a critical enabler of industrial transformation, trade facilitation, and economic growth as it plays host to the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, described metrology; the science of measurement; as “the invisible backbone of industrialisation, trade, health, and innovation.”
She noted that Ghana is transforming its national measurement infrastructure, led by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), with technical support from Germany’s National Metrology Institute (PTB). The country is currently in the process of establishing a National Metrology Institute (NMI), which is expected to bolster Ghana’s status as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement.
“We are building a metrology system that will not only support domestic manufacturing but also integrate seamlessly with global standards. This is critical to the success of our 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+),” she said, adding that the reforms are expected to help create over 1.7 million jobs.
According to her, Ghana has already made strides in enhancing its calibration capabilities in temperature, mass, and electricity, all traceable to the International System of Units (SI). She further disclosed that GSA personnel have undergone training in Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, and Germany, with more capacity-building initiatives in progress.
A key milestone in the reforms, she revealed, was the establishment of Ghana’s first Public Utility Metrology Laboratory, allowing electricity consumers to independently verify the accuracy of their meters. “It’s an important step toward transparency and consumer protection,” she stated.
Referring to the Assembly’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, the Minister called on stakeholders to align Africa’s metrology systems with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the AU’s Agenda 2063. “AFRIMETS continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation… Ghana is proud to contribute to this shared vision,” she said.
She also announced that Ghana is exploring advanced technologies, including 3D metrology and X-ray systems, to boost quality assurance in manufacturing and logistics. “This will prepare us to become a hub for smart manufacturing, digital trade, and next-generation metrology,” she added.
President of AFRIMETS, Dr. Henry Rotich, commended Ghana’s leadership, emphasising the role of accurate, traceable measurements in global trade and scientific innovation. “Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” he noted.
Dr. Rotich praised Ghana’s associate membership of the Metre Convention and highlighted ongoing work in oil and gas and chemical metrology. “This Assembly is not just a technical gathering,” he said, “it is a platform to elevate metrology in Africa and realise our collective dream under AfCFTA.”
The Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, Hudu Mogtari, applauded the convening of the General Assembly, which has drawn delegates from Kenya, France, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Mexico, and Togo. “Let us build a metrology ecosystem that reflects African aspirations,” he urged.
Acting CEO of the GSA, Clifford Frimpong, described the event as “a celebration of unity, excellence, and progress,” and encouraged delegates to embrace the spirit of collaboration.
The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly features a week-long programme of technical meetings, workshops, and industrial tours aimed at harmonising Africa’s measurement systems and advancing the continent’s metrology agenda.