The closures followed laboratory tests conducted by the Authority, which revealed that materials and finished goods at multiple sites—including mattresses and related products—did not comply with approved specifications.

The affected companies, primarily mattress manufacturers, include ZXZ Company Limited, Bright Home Company Limited, A5 Homes Company Limited, Hua Sheng Garment Company Limited, and Jim Yuan Jia Company Limited. They remain closed pending further action by the Authority.

During the operation, GSA officials seized large quantities of uncertified products and placed them under lock and key. The Authority is currently determining the next steps, which may include destroying items that cannot be safely repurposed.

Explaining the rationale for the shutdowns, Head of Special Projects at GSA, Mr George Anti, said some factories had recently started using materials that deviated from approved specifications and were operating without the necessary licences.

“We sent our team undercover to obtain samples through market purchases and factory visits. The tests confirmed that the products are substandard,” he said.

Mr Anti stressed that, as the national body mandated to protect consumers and facilitate trade, the GSA could not guarantee the safety or fitness for purpose of products being mass-produced.

“We cannot tell, as an independent body, whether these products that they are putting out there in the thousands are safe to use, which is the most important thing, or fit for purpose,” he noted.

He further disclosed that the Authority had previously engaged some of the companies, including at the Ministry of Trade level, to help them regularise operations. However, several companies remained adamant and continued to flout the law.

“For as long as they want to keep doing the wrong thing, they will remain shut,” Mr Anti underlined.

While emphasising that Ghana remains open for business, he stated that the GSA would support only genuine and responsible enterprises that protect the health and safety of consumers.

“We want to promote business, yes, but only good business. The loss of any human life due to unsafe products could never be justified,” he concluded.