GUTA Drops Ghana EasyPass Opposition After GSA Clarification

Jul 10, 2026 - 19:01

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GUTA Drops Ghana EasyPass Opposition After GSA Clarification

The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has withdrawn its opposition to the Ghana EasyPass Programme after the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) clarified that the initiative does not introduce any new levy, regulatory requirement or additional cost for importers and traders.

The decision follows high-level consultations between the two organisations, culminating in a joint communiqué issued on Friday, July 10, 2026, in which both parties agreed that earlier concerns stemmed from a misunderstanding of the programme’s operational guidelines rather than any policy change.

The development marks a significant shift from GUTA’s earlier position, where it had expressed concerns that the programme would increase the cost of doing business through additional compliance requirements.

According to the communiqué, the Ghana EasyPass Programme is not a new initiative but an existing conformity assessment scheme that has been in operation for the past 10 years.

“The Ghana EasyPass Programme is not a new policy or programme. It has been in continuous operation for the past ten (10) years as an established conformity assessment scheme of the Ghana Standards Authority,” the statement said.

The GSA further clarified that the recently issued operational guidelines merely explain how the existing programme functions and do not introduce any new policy, levy or regulatory obligation.

It also stressed that participation in the EasyPass Programme remains voluntary, with businesses opting out continuing to trade under the existing conformity assessment framework without incurring any additional costs.

According to the Authority, certification costs associated with imported products are borne by manufacturers and exporters in the country of origin and do not represent any new financial burden on Ghanaian importers or traders.

“The operational guidelines do not constitute the introduction of any new policy, levy or regulatory requirement,” the communiqué stated.

Following the clarification, GUTA acknowledged that its earlier objections were based on an inaccurate understanding of the programme.

The Association said the concerns raised in its petition arose from “a misrepresentation of the nature and scope of the Programme” and confirmed that the issues had been “fully addressed to the satisfaction of both parties".

As part of the agreement, the Ghana Standards Authority and GUTA will establish a permanent consultative platform to strengthen engagement on standards, conformity assessment and trade facilitation issues.

The two institutions said the framework would enhance dialogue between regulators and the business community while promoting consumer protection, fair competition and a more predictable business environment.

The latest development is expected to ease concerns among importers and traders and reinforce collaboration between the public and private sectors on trade standards and regulatory compliance.