GSA shuts down mattress factories over substandard materials usage

The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has shut down several mattress manufacturing companies at Afienya near Tema in the Greater Accra Region due to allegations of utilizing substandard materials in mattress production.

The affected companies, namely Yin Yuan Jia Limited, Mooda Limited, Hue Sheng Company, producers of Kalusini mattresses, and Asano service, are accused of substituting approved polyurethane with polystyrene in their manufacturing processes.

Polystyrene is frequently employed as a protective packaging material for electronic devices and household appliances, including refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, and blenders.

During an operation on Monday, May 18, Clement Kubati, the Regional Manager of the Ghana Standards Authority, disclosed that a Chinese-owned company was utilizing inferior materials in the production of mattresses for the local market, thereby posing potential health and environmental risks.

According to Kubati, the chemicals used in the production process were unapproved and failed to meet GSA quality standards.

"This is the chemical they use in the manufacture of these substandard mattresses, polyethylene. As far as the GSA is concerned, this chemical is not approved. It's unapproved. These are non-biodegradable chemicals that have a significant impact on the environment and human health," he stated.