The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has issued a stern warning to vendors, vowing to take decisive action against the sale of unapproved and illegal paint products, particularly those dangerously laced with harmful levels of lead.

This comes on the heels of a revealing documentary by JoyNews, which uncovered the alarming presence of high-lead paints being sold in the Ghanaian market.

The undercover investigation, which aired on JoyNews’ Hotline documentary, revealed disturbing practices in local paint shops.

Some were selling paint products containing dangerously high levels of lead, while others were mixing expired paints with locally produced ones, potentially putting the health of many Ghanaians at risk.

GSA Raids Paint Shops in Accra

Reacting swiftly to the findings, the GSA conducted a surprise operation in several paint shops across Accra.

With JoyNews’ Maxwell Aklorbortu on the ground, the operation saw officers collect dozens of paint samples for immediate testing. The team raided 15 shops in total, and what they found was shocking.

At some of the locations, vendors were caught red-handed mixing different types of paints, and in other cases, unbranded products were being sold—both clear violations of Ghana’s standards for consumer products. Despite some shop owners resisting the inspections, the GSA team, backed by law enforcement, pushed forward with their mission.

In all, over 20 paint samples were seized. These samples will undergo rigorous testing to determine the presence of hazardous chemicals and ensure they meet safety standards.

George Kojo Anti, the Head of Special Projects at the GSA, expressed his shock at the initial findings, calling the situation “alarming.”

The results so far have raised significant concerns about public safety, especially considering the potential long-term health impacts of exposure to high levels of lead, particularly for children.

Kojo Anti also warned shop owners who flout the regulations that they will face severe penalties. “We are not just issuing a warning, we are taking action,” he stated. He further cautioned that more surprise inspections are on the way, urging shop owners to ensure that their products meet the required standards or face the consequences.

With this operation, the GSA aims to rid the market of illegal and unapproved paint products that pose serious health risks to the public.

The Authority remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of consumers and ensuring that only safe, quality products are sold in Ghana’s marketplace.

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