Accra: The Ghana Standards Authority has commissioned over 300 Trading Standards Inspectors (TSIs) as part of the nation’s effort to uphold fair trading practices and enhance consumer protection. The inspectors represent the third cohort and will be pivotal in assessing the quality, accuracy, and safety of goods and services across the market. Their responsibilities include verifying volumes and weights, collecting samples for laboratory testing, and identifying non-compliant products and traders.

According to Ghana News Agency, the newly trained TSIs are also tasked with gathering evidence, testifying in court, conducting undercover investigations when necessary, providing public education, and addressing consumer complaints. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, emphasized the critical role these inspectors will play in safeguarding consumer interests and ensuring quality control in the marketplace.

The inspectors, who will be deployed across Ghana, are mandated to enforce the Ghana Standards Authority Act 2022 (Act 1078). The initiative aligns with the government’s ambition to support economic growth through a 24-hour economy. Mrs. Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards of quality and consumer safety to build trust and confidence.

Mr. Clifford Frimpong, Acting Deputy Director General of the GSA, praised the commitment and readiness of the inspectors to uphold standards that protect consumers and promote fair trade. He acknowledged the contributions of the first two cohorts of inspectors in advancing the GSA’s mandate, emphasizing their role in inspecting weighing and measuring instruments and reducing the circulation of substandard goods.

Mrs. Jessica Nkansah, Director Inspectorate GSA, reiterated the goal of the Trading Standards Inspectorate to ensure a robust system that protects consumers and upholds market standards. She outlined the inspectors’ responsibilities to verify the conformity of goods and services and emphasized their dual role as both enforcers and educators.

The inspectors are prohibited from collecting money directly from traders, with penalties to be paid through approved government channels. Mrs. Nkansah urged citizens to report any instances of blackmail or unfair treatment, assuring that the GSA is committed to transparency and effectiveness in its operations.