In a bold step toward strengthening consumer protection and market integrity, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has commissioned over 300 Trading Standards Inspectors (TSIs) as part of the government’s larger vision for a 24-hour economy.
At a commissioning ceremony held to mark the deployment of this third cohort of inspectors, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasized that the TSIs would play a pivotal role in ensuring accurate measurements, verifying product quality, and protecting consumer rights around the clock.
“As we roll out the 24-hour economy envisioned by President John Dramani Mahama, these inspectors will be at the forefront of ensuring reliable trade practices and fair competition,” the Minister said.
The TSIs have been trained to perform wide-ranging functions including undercover market surveillance, sample collection for laboratory testing, verification of weights and volumes, and public sensitization. They are also empowered to take legal action, testify in court, and act on consumer complaints, operating under the Ghana Standards Authority Act 2022 (Act 1078).
Mr. Clifford Frimpong, Acting Deputy Director General of the GSA, highlighted the significant impact of earlier cohorts of TSIs in curbing substandard goods and unfair trading practices. “They’ve built consumer confidence and promoted a fair business environment through targeted enforcement and education,” he said.
This newly commissioned group is expected to deepen the Authority’s reach nationwide, particularly in regional markets where the visibility of regulatory enforcement has often been limited.
Director of Inspectorate at GSA, Mrs. Jessica Nkansah, reinforced the dual mandate of TSIs—as enforcers and educators. She explained that while the inspectors are empowered to remove non-compliant goods and penalize violators, they are also tasked with informing traders of the relevant standards and how to comply.
She issued a strong warning against corrupt practices, noting that inspectors are barred from receiving cash from traders, and any penalties must be paid directly through approved channels. “We encourage the public to report any misconduct. The GSA is committed to transparency and accountability,” she said.
The initiative not only enhances consumer protection but also aims to level the playing field for responsible traders while creating a system that supports long-term economic stability.
As Ghana intensifies its efforts to operate a full-scale 24-hour economy, these Trading Standards Inspectors are being hailed as key enablers of this vision—ensuring quality, fairness, and trust in the marketplace at all times.
