An expert in the mattress industry has cautioned against the growing influx of unapproved mattresses in Ghana, noting this could spiral into a national crisis similar to the illegal mining menace, if not urgently addressed.

Speaking in an interview with Luv FM, Nana Yaw Ampem-Darko Antwi revealed that data from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) points to an alarming rise in the production and sale of mattresses that fail to meet approved quality standards.

Most of these products, he said, are locally produced using polystyrene instead of the required polyurethane material.

“These unapproved mattresses pose serious health threats, including body aches, skin irritation, and poor sleep quality,” he warned.

Mr. Antwi explained that many of the producers operate informally, often as Free Zone companies or in makeshift backyard setups, taking advantage of weak monitoring systems.

He drew a striking comparison to how galamsey began as a small-scale activity before escalating into a national menace.

“Just as galamsey started on a small scale and later became a full-blown crisis, the production of unapproved mattresses can follow the same path if we don’t act now,” he cautioned.

According to him, the lack of strict enforcement and the influx of substandard products not only endanger public health but also undermine the efforts of legitimate manufacturers who comply with national standards.

He called for urgent collaboration between the Ghana Standards Authority, law enforcement agencies, the media, and genuine producers to clamp down on the illegal trade.

Mr. Antwi further advised consumers to pay close attention to product labels before making purchases.

“Every approved mattress bears a Ghana Standards Authority label. That’s the only way to be sure you’re buying something safe,” he said.

He warned that if the trend continues unchecked, the impact could stretch beyond health risks to economic losses and job cuts in the formal sector.

“We may soon find ourselves battling another form of ‘galamsey’, this time not in our rivers and forests, but in our homes and bedrooms,” he added.