[ 2017-02-20 ]

ECOWAS pushes for standards among member states
The Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS) has commenced the standardization of some
electronic appliances to harmonize trading
activities among member countries.

The standardization which focuses on air
conditions and refrigerators will see to the easy
import and export of these gadgets within the
fifteen ECOWAS member countries.

The move is also aimed at curbing the energy
crisis facing member countries as the standard
also focuses on low energy consuming gadgets.

The Director for Industry for the ECOWAS
Commission, Mensan Lawson- Hechelli said the
standardization process once completed will
protect consumers and industries from financial
losses as well as facilitate trade among member
countries.

“This is just a step as you know ECOWAS we are
on our way to build a common market so if you are
moving from one country to another not only
persons but also goods and services will be able
to move across borders easily so we can trade
better and get better interest,” he said.

Ghana has in recent times faced periods of load
shedding due to insufficient energy supply.

The use of gadgets which consume high amounts of
energy has also been blamed for the development.

The situation led to the collapse of numerous
businesses.

Mensan Lawson- Hechelli who spoke to Citi
Business News at the sidelines of the meeting of
the ECOWAS Technical Harmonization Committee also
asserted that the move will bring uniformity
within the sub-region.

“So this program is to support such common
market to have products ready from one country to
another with accepted standards, mutual standards
so we have the same things across borders and we
call it ECOWAS Standard,” he added.

The countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape
Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory
Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal,
Sierra Leone, and Togo.

The three day meeting is focused on the
standardization of other materials other than
electrical appliances.

These include; agricultural inputs, cement among
other things.

Source - citifmonline.com

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