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Ghana upgrades metrology systems to power trade and industry
Ghanais upgrading its national measurement infrastructure to international standards to boost industrial growth, ensure fair trade, and position itself as a metrology leader in Africa, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced.
She said accurate measurements are the “currency of trust,” essential for product safety, reliable services, and equitable trade.
With support from the German government and Germany’s national metrology institute, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), Ghana is undertaking a transformation led by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to enhance capabilities in temperature, mass, and electricity measurements.
These efforts, she noted, align with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative and export development agenda.
She made the remarks at the opening of the 18th Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) General Assembly in Accra, under the theme: “150 Years of the Metre Convention: Prospects for Metrology within the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
The four-day assembly, hosted by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), has drawn national metrology institutes and key stakeholders from across the continent to strengthen regional cooperation in measurement science.
She said the upgraded systems will help Ghanaian industries, especially in agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics, compete globally by meeting international standards.
She also highlighted recent capacity-building efforts, including training for GSA staff in Germany, South Africa, Slovenia, and Switzerland, with more exchanges planned to build local expertise.
A major achievement, she added, is the establishment of Ghana’s first public utility metrology laboratory, which enables consumers to verify electricity meter accuracy—key for transparency and consumer protection.
In his welcome address, GSA’s Deputy Director General for Conformity Assessment, Clifford Frimpong, noted that the assembly coincides with the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention, a reminder of the enduring value of international cooperation in measurement science.
He said the assembly comes as Africa advances the AfCFTA, where accurate, harmonised measurements are vital for quality infrastructure, manufacturing safety, and fair trade.
President of AFRIMETS, Dr Henry Rotich, commended Ghana for its leadership in metrology and stressed the importance of accurate, traceable measurements in managing resources and advancing Africa’s economic integration.
He urged participants to use the assembly as an opportunity to collaborate, innovate, and shape a unified African metrology agenda that supports AfCFTA implementation and the continent’s long-term development.
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Manhyia would serve as Ghana’s unifying force …Otumfuo assures on commemoration of 27 years on the Golden Stool
The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, last Friday celebrated his 27th enstoolment with a colourful and culture-rich ceremony at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, drawing a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across Ghana and beyond.
Clad in splendid kente and adorned in rich traditional regalia, the dignitaries added colour and elegance to the occasion, as the palace grounds came alive with a vibrant display of Ghanaian culture.
Traditional drumming, dancing and symbolic rites underscored the deep-rooted heritage of the Ashanti Kingdom, captivating guests and reaffirming the value of tradition in modern society.
Speaking at a high-level Executive Gala organised by the Diaspora Affairs Office of the Office of the President in strategic partnership with the E ON 3 Group, the ‘World-Meets-in-Ghana’ gala, the Asantehene urged Ghanaians to guard against the divisive tendencies of partisan politics.
The event was to honour the Asantehene’s nearly three-decade reign under the theme ‘Advancing Peace and Sustainable Economic Development through Royal Vision’.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II noted that such attitudes threatened the country’s long-standing values of unity, civility and brotherliness.
He assured that Manhyia would continue to serve as a unifying force for the nation.
The celebration also featured the presentation of commemorative gold coins to notable national leaders, including the President, John Dramani Mahama, former Presidents John Agyekum Kufuor and Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as well as Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, a former Vice President in recognition of their contributions to peace and national development.
By Spectator Reporter
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has appealed to regional Queenmothers Association to support efforts to achieve 30 per cent women’s representation in leadership by the close of 2026, noting that women remain significantly underrepresented in elected positions.
The ministry said queenmothers had a critical role to play in identifying, mentoring and grooming the next generation of women leaders.
Speaking at an engagement with regional paramount queenmothers, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection and Member of Parliament (MP) of the Krowor Constituency, in the Greater Accra Region, said the ministry required active collaboration from queenmothers to encourage more women to contest elections.
Dr Lartey noted that negative stereotyping and the persistent association of female politicians with promiscuity continued to discourage many competent women from seeking leadership roles.
“The attacks, insults and shaming push many capable women out of the race before they even start,” she mentioned.
She urged queenmothers to provide direct support to young women in their communities who aspire leadership positions.
According to her, such support should include mentoring, coaching and guiding women through the processes of declaring interest, campaigning and navigating political party structures.
Dr Lartey encouraged women to remain persistent in pursuing leadership opportunities despite setbacks.
“Leadership is not always won on the first try. They should not give up if they do not succeed at first,” She added.
Responding on behalf of the association, Nana Otubea II, President of the All Regional QueenMothers Association and Paramount Queenmother of the Nkonya Traditional Council, described the call as laudable and pledged the association’s support towards achieving the 30 per cent target.
She commended Dr Lartey and the ministry for their efforts in advancing the welfare and empowerment of women.
Nana Otubea II also praised Parliament for passing the Affirmative Action (Gender Equity) Act, 2024, describing it as a landmark legislation that would deepen Ghana’s democratic governance architecture.
She said the law would help improve female representation in leadership by mandating progressive targets and promoting gender parity in public life and decision-making.
Nana Otubea II urged that the full implementation of the Affirmative Action Act should include the integration of queenmothers into the National House of Chiefs, describing their exclusion as inconsistent with the principles of equity and inclusion.
She further stated that queenmothers play central roles in dispute resolution, chief nomination, community development and women’s mobilisation, yet are sidelined when national chieftaincy policies are formulated.
She called for legal and administrative reforms to permit the election of paramount queenmothers to the National House of Chiefs, suggesting that at least one queenmother from each region be represented. – GNA
