The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has closed down ZxZ Company Limited, a Chinese-owned firm, for using substandard materials in the production of goods. The company was caught using polystyrene instead of the approved polyurethane to manufacture sleeping mattresses, a practice that poses significant health risks to consumers.
Following public complaints and an intelligence report, the GSA launched an investigation and visited the company’s premises. Upon inspection, the GSA discovered that the company was also producing other items, including televisions, home appliances, and student mattresses, many of which were imitations of products from registered Ghanaian companies.
During the visit, Mr. George Kojo Anti, Head of the Special Product Unit at the GSA, addressed the media and explained that ZxZ Company Limited was not registered with the GSA and had not received approval for its manufacturing standards. As a result, their products did not meet the necessary certification, making them illegal under GSA regulations.
He emphasized that while Ghana is open to businesses, foreign companies must adhere to national standards and not jeopardize public health by producing low-grade goods. Mr. Anti highlighted the dangers of using polystyrene, which can have harmful effects on human health. He assured the public that the GSA would take legal action under the GSA Act 1078 of 2022 and impose strict penalties on the company to serve as a deterrent to others.
“We are focused on moving businesses from non-compliance to compliance, especially as these companies provide jobs for citizens. However, the health and safety of consumers are paramount,” Mr. Anti stated.
Looking ahead, the GSA plans to follow up with further actions to ensure that the company complies with the law and produces quality products. He urged other manufacturing companies to secure the necessary licenses from the GSA to guarantee that their products meet the required standards.
In addition to shutting down ZxZ Company Limited, the GSA enforcement team visited other manufacturers in the Afienya-Prampram district, cautioning them against operating without the proper permits.
The GSA reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and promoting fair trade. It also called on the public and other stakeholders to collaborate with the authority in ensuring that only quality, compliant products are available on the market.
