The Acting Minster of Trade and Industry, Major Dr. Mustapha Ahmed has directed the Ghana Standards Authority to halt the implementation of the G-CAP until a broad stakeholder consultation has been made.

He gave the directive after a marathon meeting with stakeholders including importers, manufacturers and Ghana Standards Authority at his office on Wednesday, September 24^, 2014, according to a statement from the Trade and Industry ministry.

The Acting Minister further directed that each interest group should nominate two (2) representatives each to have thorough discussions with Ghana Standards Authority and agree to all the issues raised before implementation would be allowed.

Major Dr. Mustapha Ahmed however charged the stakeholder groups to work with the Ghana Standards Authority to agree on the timeliness for implementation before November 1st, 2014.

The programme is aimed at ensuring that specific products imported into the Ghanaian market meet the requirements of the Technical Regulations and Standards set by GSA and are of the required quality for health and safety of people and also protection of the environment.

It is expected address four main issues: growing consumer’s health, safety and environmental concerns;  safe-guarding local products and industry from unfair competition;  reducing the risks that the country becomes the dumping ground for non-conforming products; and the facilitating customs clearance process.