GSA shuts down Chinese firm in Afienya

THE Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has shut down ZXZ Company Limited, a Chinese-owned firm producing mattresses in Afienya in the Greater Accra region, for using uncertified materials.

 The Authority also closed down a warehouse located inside Pokuase which housed finished products (Mattresses) from the factory in Afienya.

The mattress has Moonda as the brand name. 

Following a tip-off, the GSA conducted a market survey revealing that the company was selling substandard mattresses made from unapproved materials, posing a serious risk to consumers. The firm was also found to be operating without proper registration with the Authority.

During an inspection involving GSA officials, law enforcement officers, and the media, it was discovered that ZXZ Company Limited was using polystyrene, a material meant for packaging electronics, instead of the approved polyurethane for mattress production.

The violation of the standards raised significant health concerns. The team also uncovered that the company was assembling televisions, fridges, and sound bar speakers under the Asano brand without registering these products with the GSA.

Chinese nationals on-site at the factory and warehouse initially resisted attempts to close down the facilities, defending the company’s practices, claiming the materials were legal in China.

However, under further questioning, they admitted the facility lacked the necessary licenses to operate and agreed to shut down the factory until the appropriate approvals were obtained.

George Anti, Head of the Special Products Unit at GSA, described the scale of the unlicensed production as alarming. He emphasized GSA’s dedication to ensuring all products on the market meet approved standards.

He explained that polystyrene, while suitable for packaging, is hazardous for human use in mattresses and could cause long-term health issues, potentially impacting the nation’s productivity.

Anti further stated that the GSA would ensure that all substandard products are destroyed and that proper certifications are obtained before allowing the factory to reopen. He stressed that while Ghana is open for business, companies must comply with the country’s regulatory framework.

ZXZ Company Limited faces multiple penalties under GSA regulations, which must be resolved before resuming operations.

During a separate inspection, the GSA also discovered an unlicensed Chinese-owned plastic recycling plant in the same Bright International Industrial Zone. The Authority has warned all foreign-owned manufacturing companies to register with the GSA or face punitive actions.