Kobina Tahir Hammond Appointed as ‘Custodian of Weights and Measures

The Minister for Trade and Industry, has underscored his commitment to enhance fairness and accuracy in trade through the enforcement of standards in trade and commerce.

Accurate measurements are fundamental to economic growth as they instil confidence in consumers, ensures that consumers receive what they pay for and that businesses operate on a level playing field.

In this regard, the Minister, Kobina Tahir Hammond (MP), has, pursuant to Section 60 of the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1078), appointed the Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Professor Alexander Nii Oto Dodoo, as the ‘Custodian of Weights and Measures’ in the Republic of Ghana, effective September 11, 2023.

This appointment ensures that Ghana aligns with international standards in metrology. This is vital for international trade and collaboration, as it establishes Ghana as a reliable and compliant partner on the global stage.

The Director-General, as the Custodian, is expected to appoint and deploy inspectors of Weights and Measures for the effective administration of weights and measure.

As provided for under the Ghana Standards Authority Act, the inspectors, shall examine every weight, measure or instrument for trade and industry including health, safety and environment devices for the purpose of verification.

They will also compare the weight, measure or instrument with the corresponding Working Standards.

Empowered by Section 62 of the Act, the Custodian has the Power to enter premises and require the production and examination of the weight, measure or instrument in that place.

The inspectors can seize the weight, measure or instrument for the purpose of comparing the seized weight, measure or instrument with a Working Standard. It is an offence to obstruct an inspector in his line of duty.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry in collaboration with the Ghana Standards Authority, will implement extensive engagements with the business community and the trading public.

This outreach will aim to create awareness about the importance of weights and measures and the impact they have on businesses and trade.

Issued by the communication and advocacy departme