Ghana Standards Authority Launches Organic Certification Scheme To Boost Safe Food Production And SME Growth 

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) through the Invest for Jobs Programme, has launched a national Organic Certification Scheme aimed at promoting safe food production, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing Ghana's competitiveness in international markets.

Speaking at the launch, the Head of Component for the Invest for Jobs Programme at GIZ Ghana, Eunice Agyeiwaa Adjei-Pofung, said the initiative began in 2022 through a partnership between GIZ and the Ghana Standards Authority. She explained that the project was designed to establish a local organic certification system in response to the growing contribution of agriculture to Ghana’s economy and the increasing global demand for organically certified products.

According to her, the partnership has already delivered several interventions, including capacity-building programmes for GSA staff, the provision of modern laboratory equipment for testing, and exposure visits to international institutions such as Indocert in India to learn best practices in organic certification.

She noted that the scheme will enable organic certification to be carried out locally in Ghana, making the process more affordable for SMEs while positioning Ghana as the first country in West Africa to establish such a certification system.

Ms. Adjei-Pofung added that the initiative will help local producers gain easier access to certification services, reduce the cost associated with obtaining foreign certifications, and strengthen consumer confidence in locally produced food products.

The Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Professor George Cedi, has explained that the newly introduced Organic Certification Mark will serve as a guarantee that food products have been produced without harmful chemicals and meet approved organic standards.

Addressing stakeholders at the launch of the certification scheme, Professor Cedi said the certification would be awarded to farmers, food processors, and exporters whose products are produced using natural methods without the application of harmful chemicals, synthetic fertilizers, or other substances that may pose health risks to consumers.

He noted that the global movement towards healthier food consumption has increased the demand for organic products, making it necessary for Ghana to establish a credible certification system.

According to him, products bearing the Organic Certification Mark will indicate that they have undergone strict verification processes and comply with established organic production standards.

Professor Cedi further disclosed that the certification mark contains security features that can be scanned using mobile phones to verify product details.

He added that certified products will be recorded in an international database accessible to customs authorities and other relevant agencies worldwide.

He cautioned producers seeking certification to adhere strictly to the established guidelines, stressing that government monitoring mechanisms have been put in place to ensure compliance and protect the integrity of the certification system.