The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has issued a strong warning to vendors following the discovery of illegal and harmful paint products in the market, particularly those laced with dangerously high levels of lead.
The warning comes after a JoyNews undercover investigation revealed disturbing practices in local paint shops, where products containing hazardous levels of lead were being sold.
In some cases, expired paints were being mixed with locally produced ones, putting consumers’ health at serious risk.
In response to the findings, the GSA conducted surprise raids across Accra, targeting 15 paint shops.
During the operation, officers seized over 20 paint samples for immediate testing. Several shops were found mixing different types of paints and selling unbranded products, which violated Ghana’s consumer safety standards.
Despite some resistance from vendors, the GSA team, supported by law enforcement, continued the operation.
George Kojo Anti, Head of Special Projects at the GSA, expressed shock at the initial findings, calling them “alarming,” and warned vendors that severe penalties would be imposed on those who fail to comply with safety regulations.
He also announced that further surprise inspections would take place to ensure products meet the required standards.
The GSA has emphasized its commitment to ensuring that only safe and quality products are available to consumers, especially given the potential health risks associated with exposure to high lead levels.
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