Ghanaian businesses urged to embrace management systems certification

Ghanaian Businesses Encouraged to Seek Management Systems Certification

Dzienyo Akafia is the Head of Systems Certification at the Ghana Standards Authority. She recently spoke at the third AGM, urging Ghanaian businesses to pursue management systems certification. This certification helps them access competitive international markets.

Consumers worldwide prefer organizations with certified management systems. These systems ensure safe and quality products and services. Akafia explained that certification allows businesses to document processes and procedures effectively.

Documenting processes helps identify potential issues early on. It enables companies to fix problems before they escalate. "As Ghanaians, we often avoid documentation," she noted, emphasizing its importance.

Standards require organizations to conduct regular internal audits. These audits help assess whether a business is improving or declining. "You need records to track your progress over time," Akafia stated.

Without documentation, identifying problems becomes challenging. Effective internal audits rely on having detailed records from previous years.

Akafia highlighted the benefits of certification for client confidence. Certified organizations can meet global quality standards and expand their markets. Some large Ghanaian companies have successfully exported products due to their certifications.

Professor Alex Dodoo, Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, expressed support for local businesses. He emphasized that standardized practices enhance efficiency and recognition in the industry.

The Ghana Standards Authority has implemented a Management Systems Certification Scheme for several years. This scheme is accredited by DAkkS, a German accreditation body, covering quality, food safety, and environmental management systems.