The Secretary-General of the International Standards Organisation (ISO), Sergio Mujica, has called on Ghana and other African countries under the umbrella of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement to adhere to international standards to enhance the operationalization of AfCFTA.

The Secretary-General of the International Standards Organisation made this known during a high-profile visit to the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Accra, Ghana. Sergio Mujica iterated that it is imperative for Ghana to take the lead in fostering fair trade by upholding global standards amid the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.

The visit highlighted an enduring partnership between ISO and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA). Meanwhile, the visit is poised to unlock lucrative trade prospects under AfCFTA and spur trade advancement across the region.

Mr Mujica’s remarks resonated with Ghana’s pivotal role as the headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), signifying the nation’s readiness for an industrial revolution that holds immense potential for catalyzing its development trajectory as well as that of other member African countries in the trade bloc.

Professor Dodoo, the Director General of the Ghana Standards Authority, on his part, underscored the synergy between governmental support and strategic groundwork, enabling local industries to maintain their competitive edge by adhering to rigorous standards.

Battle Against Sub-Standard Commodities

The Director General of GSA noted that the battle against sub-standard commodities is being vigorously pursued through a novel initiative. He disclosed that around 250 officials from the GSA are undergoing intensive law enforcement training, a significant step in fortifying the trade landscape. “These officials, aptly christened Trading Standards Officers (TSOs), are acquiring expertise to execute routine inspections and delve into grievances related to local traders and businesses,” he said.

Meanwhile, he noted that their purview encompasses product quality testing, precision evaluation of weighing instruments, meticulous label scrutiny, and vigilant oversight to counteract counterfeit products.

Professor Dodoo asserted that the esteemed presence of the ISO and the Secretary-General of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO), Dr. Hermogène Nsengimana, highlights international recognition of Ghana’s commendable endeavors, providing a resounding vote of confidence in the nation’s pursuit of equitable trade practices and conformity to elevated standards.

The visit underscores the confluence of Ghana’s industrial aspirations, AfCFTA’s transformative potential, and the imperative for upholding international standards, echoing a harmonious integration for economic growth and consumer welfare.

Meanwhile, there is no doubt that this landmark continental trade agreement, if driven by the most valuable assets of the continent — will be the primary enabler for unlocking Africa’s immense potential.

This massive single continental market is expected to increase intra-African trade by 52.3 per cent, deepen continental integration, increase productivity, create more jobs, and avail substantial gender-balanced opportunities by including women and youth in Africa’s trade liberalization.

The World Bank estimated that the AfCFTA will increase Africa’s income by $450 billion by 2035 and increase intra-African exports by more than 81 per cent.

According to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, this single market trade agreement will enable the African economy to reach the $29 trillion mark by 2050. Africa has a unique opportunity to lift millions of people out of poverty by empowering women and youth to change the continent’s business environment. As such, adherence to international standards will unlock all these benefits.