By Stephenie Nkrumah
A high-level diplomatic intervention has successfully averted a looming standoff between local merchants and trade regulators, as the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) settled their differences over the Ghana EasyPass Programme.
The breakthrough came during an emergency consultative meeting in the capital, called to address a petition GUTA had filed directly with the Office of the President.
In a joint communiqué issued after the meeting, both institutions described their discussions as cordial and constructive, emphasizing their shared commitment to transparency, collaboration, and the promotion of Ghana’s business environment.
The communiqué clarified that the Ghana EasyPass Programme is not a new policy, levy, or regulatory requirement, but an established conformity assessment scheme that has been in operation for the past ten years. It explained that the document which recently generated public concern was merely an operational guideline intended for existing and prospective users of the programme.
The GSA further explained that compliance with mandatory Ghana Standards remains a statutory requirement for all products placed on the Ghanaian market. However, participation in the EasyPass Programme is entirely voluntary and intended to provide businesses with an opportunity to demonstrate higher standards of compliance as a competitive advantage.
Addressing concerns over possible financial implications, the communiqué stated that businesses opting out of the programme would continue operating under existing conformity assessment arrangements without incurring any additional costs. It also clarified that certification fees relating to imported goods are borne by exporters and manufacturers at the point of origin, meaning they do not constitute new charges for Ghanaian traders.
GUTA acknowledged that its earlier concerns resulted from a misunderstanding of the programme’s scope and operation. Following the clarifications provided by the GSA, the Association confirmed that the issues raised in its petition had been satisfactorily addressed.
For its part, the GSA pledged to strengthen stakeholder engagement and improve communication with GUTA and other private sector organisations on standards, conformity assessment, and trade facilitation initiatives.
As part of the outcomes of the meeting, both organisations have agreed to establish a permanent consultative framework to facilitate regular dialogue on matters relating to standards, trade, and consumer protection.
The two institutions reaffirmed their commitment to fairness, transparency, and close public-private collaboration in promoting consumer confidence, supporting legitimate businesses, and advancing Ghana’s economic development.
