Ghana's import substitution depends on quality products

Accra, June 30, GNA - The success of Ghana's import substitution industrialisation programme hinges on the ability of domestic companies to achieve superior quality standards that could match those from anywhere in the world, Mr Alan Kyeremanten, Minister of Trade and Industry said on Wednesday.

Speaking at a ceremony during which Tropical Cable and Conductor Limited (TCCL), manufacturer of aluminium and copper over head line conductors and insulated cables, received ISO 9001:2000 Certificate, Mr Kyeremanten said no company could survive with mediocre quality standards whether the company was producing for the local or for external markets.

The ISO 9001:2000 Standard is an international Standard that sets out the requirements for quality management systems, which are accepted worldwide.

It requires proper documentation, including identifying production methods, availability of work instructions, specifications and other quality records. These are put in place to ensure that the same desired results are obtained anytime the process is repeated by anyone.

The Minister said quality products and systems could affect positively the export orientated and domestic import substitution strategies that the Government was currently pursuing and called on Ghanaian companies to work towards becoming ISO certified. Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Energy, said Ghanaian companies should work to achieve global recognition to boost local procurement to create jobs.

He pledged the continuous reliance of the Ministry on TCCL for the Government's rural electrification programme.

Mr Tony Oteng-Gyasi, Managing Director, TCCL, asked the Government to place some local manufacturing companies under the free zones to enable them to benefit from some of the facilities to enhance production.

He expressed concern about the influx of inferior cables on the market and called on the Ghana Standards Board to move in to check the menace.

Mr Oteng-Gyasi said the Company had seen increased production, improved operational efficiency, zero products quality defects and enhanced communication with customers.