The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) in collaboration with the Police SWAT team embarked on an enforcement exercise in the capital, closing down several shops in Adabraka selling substandard paint products.
The exercise was carried out on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Adabraka, Freetown.
These businesses risk closure of shops and in extreme instances, revocation of licenses.
According to GSA, lab analysis of samples of the paint show that the toxicity levels exceeded the standard 0.9 level and contained lead which can cause cancer in humans.
The products, some of which were imported and locally produced in Ghana were seized by the GSA.
For easier identification and also a form of alert to customers and consumers, the GSA fixed stickers with inscription, “under temporary closure by GSA,” once the outlet has been shut down for failing to comply with standards.
Some business owners resisted attempts to close down their shops but later complied.
Speaking to the media after the exercise was conducted, Greater Accra Regional manager of Ghana Standards Authority, Clement Obati said the Authority will embark on a series of similar exercise to get rid of substandard products in Ghanaian markets.
He appealed to Ghanaians to report business owners who are selling substandard products to the Authority.
“What you have witnessed today is a testament of what GSA can do. It is not going to be a one-off thing. There is going to be series of this exercise. From paint, we will move to electricals and any other product we have intelligence on.
“We are pleading with Ghanaians to assist us to rid of the market of substandard products,” he stated.
