The Ghana Standards Board (GSB) has challenged professionals in the construction industry to voluntarily bring standards to bear in their building projects. This year’s World Standards Day is being commemorated under the theme, “Standards for Accessibility” to raise awareness on the importance of international standardization to the global economy and to promote its role in helping meet the needs of businesses, industries, governments and consumers. Ashanti Regional Manager of GSB, Charles Amoako, tells Luv FM standardization of the construction sector is critical to protect the interest of the vulnerable in society, including the aged, pregnant women, children and persons with disability. He says though application of standards is not compulsory, it is in the interest of businesses and other professionals to standardize products and services. The theme for the 2010 World Standards Day recognizes the critical role of standards and conformity assessment programmes in developing and maintaining the environment, products, technologies and systems that are accessible for persons with special needs. Officials believe “international standards on the design of products, services and the environment, bearing in mind the disabled, elderly and disadvantaged, can help to implement the aims of the 2006 United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities”. According to them, standards for accessibility can help to disseminate technological innovation to developing nations, increase the market for new products and services, while meeting the general aspirations towards social responsibility. Mr. Amoako notes whilst it is important for regulatory agencies to enforce standards, it is critical for people to uphold self-regulation. He told Luv Fm the Ghana Standards Board will soon come out with standards in the use of the internet and other electronic facilities. Story by Kofi Adu Domfeh/Luv FM/Ghana