The Ghana Standard Authority (GSA) is to construct a modern laboratory in Kumasi to test and approve standardised electrical products. Mr Francis Mensah Akpaloo, a Scientific Officer and Technical Supervisor at the GSA who gave the hint said the laboratory would serve the southern part of the country.

He regretted that many electrical cables imported were sub-standard and easy to catch fire stating that most of the fake cables were smuggled into the country through unapproved routes.

Facilitating a national anti- counterfeit electrical products exposure workshop underway at Abesim, near Sunyani, Mr Akpaloo cautioned the general public to check the brand before buying electrical products. The Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA consult) in collaboration with the GSA is organising the workshop with support from Services Merchandize Limited, New Lucky Electricals, Electrical Place and Glomossay Hotel.

Being attended by manufacturers, dealers, and buyers in electrical products as well as security agencies, the three-day workshop is on the theme "avoid patronage of counterfeit electrical products". Mr Akpaloo urged the general public to buy electrical cables from GSA certified companies such as Reroy, Tropical and Nexan cables.

Mr Dacuster Anthony Gbadago, the Sunyani District Supervisor of the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCO), urged the public to seek services of certified electricians to wire their buildings. He asked the public to make background checks of prices when they want to procure electrical products saying most of the fake products were mostly cheaper.

Mr Gbadago advised the public to be aware that sub-standard and counterfeit electrical products had high power consumption and avoid them. Mr Francis Ameyibor, the Executive Director of the CDA consult said concerted efforts were required to rid the market of all counterfeit products.