“Invisible yet Indispensable: Ghana’s Trade Minister Highlights Metrology’s Crucial Role in Industrialization

Ghana has reiterated its commitment to advancing metrology as a critical pillar for industrial transformation, trade facilitation, and economic development, as the country hosts the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS) in Accra.

Delivering the keynote address at the opening of the General Assembly on Tuesday, 22nd July 2025, the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare described metrology, the science of measurement as “the invisible backbone of industrialization, trade, health, and innovation.”

The Minister highlighted Ghana’s ongoing transformation of its national measurement infrastructure, spearheaded by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), with support from the German government and in collaboration with Germany’s National Metrology Institute, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).

According to the Minister, Ghana is upgrading its metrology capabilities to establish a fully functional National Metrology Institute (NMI), positioning the country as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement. She noted that progress has already been made in enhancing Ghana’s capacity in key areas such as temperature, mass, and electricity measurements, ensuring they meet international standards and are traceable to SI units.

The Minister further explained that the metrology reforms align with the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+), which aims to create 1.7 million jobs and boost Ghana’s global competitiveness. She emphasized that metrology is essential to ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency across sectors such as agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics.

She also disclosed that GSA staff had received advanced training in countries such as South Africa, Slovenia, Germany, and Switzerland, and additional capacity-building efforts were underway to strengthen local expertise.

A key milestone highlighted during her address was the recent inauguration of Ghana’s first Public Utility Metrology Laboratory, which allows consumers to verify the accuracy of electricity meters, an initiative aimed at promoting transparency and consumer protection.

Touching on the theme of the Assembly celebrating 150 years of the Metre Convention, the Minister stressed the importance of building a locally relevant yet globally aligned metrology system that supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the broader aspirations of the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“AFRIMETS continues to be a beacon of regional cooperation, harmonizing measurement systems, facilitating trade, and building technical capacity across Africa. Ghana is proud to contribute to this shared vision,” she affirmed.

Looking to the future, the Minister said Ghana is exploring emerging technologies such as 3D metrology, optical inspection, and X-ray and CT systems to further enhance its industrial capabilities and quality infrastructure.

The Minister concluded her remarks by encouraging delegates to engage fully in the Assembly’s activities and witness Ghana’s vision of becoming a hub for smart manufacturing, digital trade, and next-generation metrology.

President of AFRIMETS, Dr. Henry Rotich, in his opening remarks, underscored the historical and transformative importance of metrology, tracing its evolution from ancient Egyptian cubits to today’s sophisticated atomic clocks and digital systems. He emphasized that accurate and traceable measurements form the foundation for scientific advancement, fair trade, public health, and environmental protection.

“Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” he stated, while also marking the 150th anniversary of the Metre Convention as a timely reminder of metrology’s global relevance.

Commending Ghana for its leadership in the field, Dr. Rotich applauded the Ghana Standards Authority for its efforts in expanding measurement infrastructure and aligning with international systems.

He noted Ghana’s associate membership of the Metre Convention as a testament to its commitment and praised ongoing work in areas such as chemical metrology and oil and gas measurements. Encouraging participants to collaborate and exchange ideas, he remarked, “This Assembly is not just a technical gathering, it is a platform to elevate metrology in Africa and realise our collective dream of integration, innovation, and shared prosperity under AfCFTA.”

The Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, Mr. Hudu Mogtari in his remarks, commended GSA for conveying the Landmark Assembly, which included countries delegates from Kenya, Togo, France, The Gambia, Cape Verde, Mexico among others.

He noted that “Let us build a Metrology ecosystem that reflects African aspirations, amplify its voice to take its rightfully place on the continent.

The Ag. CEO of the Ghana Standards Authority, Mr. Clifford Frimpong, on his part, described the General Assembly as a celebration of unity, excellence, and progress, with a call for African colleagues to embrace this spirit.

The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly brings together delegates from across the continent and beyond for a week of technical committee meetings, workshops, and industrial tours aimed at advancing Africa’s metrology agenda