The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, in collaboration with TradeMark Africa, has held a two-day meeting of the National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committees as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s trade facilitation and quality assurance systems.
The meeting brought together key institutions, including the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute of Industrial Research (CSIR-IIR), and the Plant Protection and Regulatory Services Directorate (PPRSD), among others.
Chaired by the Director of Industries at the Ministry, Mr. Kofi Addo, the engagement focused on “improving coordination among regulatory agencies” and “enhancing compliance with international standards,” particularly the requirements of the European Union (EU), to safeguard Ghana’s access to key export markets.
Officials explained that strengthening SPS and TBT systems is critical to protecting both consumers and exporters. The discussions centered on aligning Ghana’s regulatory architecture with global best practices while ensuring that local producers are better positioned to meet evolving market requirements.
A major outcome of the meeting was discussions towards developing “an SPS alert and response management plan” aimed at strengthening collaboration between government institutions and the private sector. The proposed plan is expected to enable exporters to “respond swiftly to market requirements and emerging trade-related concerns,” thereby minimizing the risk of export rejections and trade disruptions.
Participants identified several priority areas for action, including the “accreditation of conformity assessment bodies,” intensified capacity building for exporters and institutions, and the “development of product-specific Maximum Residue Levels (MRLs).” There were also calls for improved coordination on standards relating to mineral oils and hydrocarbons, as well as strengthened data management and early warning systems to enhance responsiveness.
The meeting further highlighted the importance of “harmonized standards across Africa” to promote intra-African trade and enhance the competitiveness of Ghanaian products within the continental market.
The Ministry stressed its resolve to build “a robust quality infrastructure system that expands market access, protects consumers, and supports Ghana’s industrial growth agenda.”The discussions are aimed at modernizing trade governance systems, strengthening regulatory compliance, and enhancing the position of Ghanaian exporters in both regional and international markets.
