Ghana has once again demonstrated its commitment to metrology as a vital pillar for industrial transformation, trade facilitation, and economic advancement. The country is currently hosting the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, the
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare,
emphasised the pivotal role of metrology—the science of measurement—in driving
industrialisation, trade, healthcare, and innovation. She described it as “the
invisible backbone” underpinning several key sectors of national development.
The minister emphasised that Ghana is undergoing a significant
overhaul of its national measurement infrastructure through the Ghana Standards
Authority (GSA) and with technical assistance from Germany's National Metrology
Institute (PTB). The creation of a National Metrology Institute (NMI), which
would bolster Ghana's position as the region's leader in scientific and
industrial metrology, is at the heart of this endeavour.
"We are
establishing the framework for a strong metrology system that complies with
international measurement standards while also assisting regional industry. The
Accelerated Export Development Program (24H+) and our 24-Hour Economy depend on
this," said Hon. Ofosu-Adjare. More than 1.7 million jobs are expected to
be created by the reforms, she continued.
To ensure that temperature, mass, and electricity measurements
can be traced back to the International System of Units (SI), Ghana has already
made great strides in this area. The minister added that GSA staff are being
trained in Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, and Germany as part of
continuous capacity-building initiatives.
She pointed out that
the opening of Ghana's first Public Utility Metrology Laboratory is a
significant milestone in the country's metrology reform. In a significant step
towards transparency and the defence of consumer rights, this feature enables
electricity users to independently confirm the accuracy of their meters.
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare urged stakeholders to coordinate Africa's
metrology ambitions with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and
the African Union's Agenda 2063 as the General Assembly commemorates the 150th
anniversary of the Metre Convention. "Ghana is honoured to be a part of
this shared vision, and AFRIMETS continues to be a symbol of regional unity and
progress," she said.
The minister also
disclosed that Ghana is investigating cutting-edge technologies like X-ray
systems and 3D metrology to improve quality assurance in the manufacturing and
logistics industries. "This puts Ghana in a position to become a centre
for digital trade, smart manufacturing, and next-generation metrology,"
she said.
AFRIMETS President Dr. Henry Rotich commended Ghana's initiative
and reiterated the value of accurate, traceable measures in international trade
and scientific advancement. "Technological advancement, scientific
discovery, and trust in commerce are all fuelled by methodology," he
stated. He also emphasised Ghana's advancements in chemical, oil, and gas
metrology and praised the nation's associate participation in the Metre
Convention.
Hudu Mogtari, the
board chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, greeted the group and
representatives from Kenya, France, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Mexico, and Togo,
among other countries in Africa. He demanded that the metrology ecosystem take
into account the continent's development objectives.
The GSA's acting CEO, Clifford Frimpong, called the gathering
"a celebration of unity, excellence, and progress" and exhorted
attendees to work together to further Africa's metrology agenda.
The goal of the weeklong event is to advance measurement systems throughout the continent and promote harmonisation through technical seminars, workshops, and industrial excursions.