Certification and standards should no longer be viewed by businesses as regulatory burdens, but as strategic tools that improve competitiveness, strengthen customer confidence, and unlock access to local and international markets, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has emphasised.

This was highlighted during a webinar organised by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) in partnership with WTS Nobisfields on the theme, “Leveraging Standards for Local and International Market Access”.

Speaking during the webinar, Nana Pokuaa Asare-Twerefour, Head of the Food, Chemistry & Materials Standards Department at GSA explained that standards provide businesses with a structured approach to producing quality goods and accessing new markets.

“Standards serve as passports,” she noted, explaining that complying with recognised standards helps businesses gain access to markets while improving their competitive advantage.

“Standards improve competitiveness and encourage foreign investments. Standards support industrialisation and innovation,” Mrs. Asare-Twerefour added.

Certification as a market advantage

Diana Abena Amponsah, Chief Scientific Officer and Head of Product Inspection Department at the GSA, also highlighted the role of conformity assessment and certification in demonstrating that products meet established requirements.

“Certification is credible evidence of conformance,” Amponsah said, noting that conformity assessment involves processes such as testing, inspection, and certification to verify that products, services, and systems meet specified requirements.

Amponsah further explained that certified products are better positioned to compete because they demonstrate reliability, which can encourage repeat purchases and strengthen customer trust.

The cost of non-compliance in global markets

Amponsah cautioned that exporting products without meeting the necessary requirements can have significant financial and reputational consequences.

“When you export products that do not meet the requirements of the importing country, it can be very expensive,” she said, explaining that rejected consignments can result in additional costs, loss of buyers, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Encouraging MSMEs to embrace standards

The panellists acknowledged that compliance costs can be challenging for smaller businesses but stressed that investment in quality systems can deliver long-term benefits.

They encouraged MSMEs to engage with the Authority early, seek guidance, and gradually build the systems required to meet certification standards.

By improving awareness and adoption of standards, the speakers noted that Ghanaian businesses can enhance product quality, build stronger brands, and position themselves for increased participation in regional and global markets.

Moderated by Theophilus Tawiah, Managing Partner at WTS Nobisfields, the webinar explored related topics including the role of the Ghana Standards Authority, standards and standardisation, conformity assessment, certification processes, export readiness, challenges facing MSMEs, and how businesses can leverage standards to improve competitiveness and access local, regional and international markets.