Kumasi, July 8, GNA - Mr Sampson Kwaku Boafo, Ashanti Regional Minister, has asked manufacturers to desist from displaying marks on their products, which had not been certified by the Ghana Standards Board (GSB).

He warned that the law would deal ruthlessly with unpatriotic and indiscipline producers who were ready to sacrifice the reputation of the nation and the lives of unsuspecting consumers for their own selfish gains.

Mr Boafo gave the warning at a workshop on consumer protection and the promotion of the GSB mark in Kumasi on Thursday.

It was organised by the GSB in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and President's Special Initiative (MOTI/PSI) to collate views and suggestions from consumers and businessmen in Kumasi to enable the GSB to come out with a strategy on its mark of conformity. Mr Boafo said the display of the mark on sub-standard goods had eroded consumer confidence in Ghanaian products thereby defeating the government's efforts at promoting made-in-Ghana and President's Special Initiatives goods.

He commended the GSB for embarking on a nationwide sensitisation programme to educate consumers and producers on the need to conform to standards.

Mr Nimo Ahinkora, Executive Director of GSB in an address read for him, said the Board was taking steps to minimise the unauthorised use of the mark with a view to making it a marketing tool for companies. He said the GSB was prepared to partner with the private sector to enable it to come out with good quality products to satisfy the needs and expectations of consumers.

Mr Ken Oppong Kyekyeku, Ashanti Regional Officer of the MOTI/PSI, urged the GSB to extend the programme to the rural areas to enable rural dwellers to identify sub-standard products.

He called for the enactment of appropriate laws to protect consumers in the country.