GSA calls on Finance Ministry to fast-track clearance as over GH¢60m remains unutilised

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has implored the Ministry of Finance to expedite the clearance process for the Authority's budget, as delays have left over GH¢60 million of its allocated funds unspent. At the GSA's 2025 Stakeholders Annual Conference in Accra, Director-General Professor George Agyei revealed that the slow clearance is hampering crucial operations, particularly the testing of samples.

Most of the Authority's testing equipment has become obsolete and requires immediate replacement, but procurement is stalled due to the authorization delays. Prof. Agyei highlighted that the GSA operates based on international standards and undergoes regular inspections and audits, necessitating modern and reliable equipment to maintain their certification and accreditation.

Failure to adhere to these standards could jeopardize Ghana's ability to export products to international markets. The GSA is currently calibrating weighing scales used in the gold trade across the nation to ensure accuracy and prevent traders from being undersold. Prof. Agyei stated that the Authority has recorded a GH¢29 million surplus, signifying its resilience despite operational difficulties.

He called on the public and industry stakeholders to persist in their support and collaboration with the Authority to uphold standards and bolster trade in Ghana.