In a move signaling a profound strategic shift, Ghana has thrown its weight behind metrology – the science of measurement – declaring it the “invisible backbone” of its national industrial transformation.
As Accra hosts the 18th General Assembly of the Intra-Africa Metrology System (AFRIMETS), the West African nation is positioning accurate measurement as the linchpin for trade facilitation, economic development, and its very future on the global stage.
Speaking on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the opening of the General Assembly, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana’s Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, delivered a powerful keynote address.
She didn’t mince words, describing metrology as fundamental to “industrialization, trade, health, and innovation.” This emphasis suggests a deep understanding that the integrity of a nation’s products, the fairness of its trade, and the reliability of its services all hinge on precise and verifiable measurements.
Ghana’s commitment to this crucial, often overlooked, scientific discipline is not just rhetorical. The nation is actively engaged in a comprehensive overhaul of its national measurement infrastructure.
This ambitious undertaking is spearheaded by the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and is significantly bolstered by support from the German government.
A key collaboration is with Germany’s National Metrology Institute, the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB), highlighting a critical international partnership in building out Ghana’s technical capabilities.
According to the Minister, Ghana is in the process of establishing a fully functional National Metrology Institute (NMI).
This strategic move aims to solidify Ghana’s position as a regional leader in scientific and industrial measurement. Significant strides have already been made in enhancing the country’s capacity in core areas such as temperature, mass, and electricity measurements, ensuring they meet stringent international standards and are traceable to SI units.
This commitment to precision is vital for an economy aiming for global competitiveness.
Jobs, Exports, and Consumer Protection: The Far-Reaching Impact
The metrology reforms are intrinsically linked to Ghana’s broader economic aspirations.
The Minister underscored their alignment with the government’s ambitious 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme (24H+). This program is designed to create an impressive 1.7 million jobs and significantly boost Ghana’s global trade standing.
Ofosu-Adjare stressed that metrology is indispensable for guaranteeing quality, safety, and efficiency across diverse sectors, including agro-processing, manufacturing, and logistics.
Further demonstrating a commitment to transparency and public trust, the Minister highlighted the recent inauguration of Ghana’s first Public Utility Metrology Laboratory.
This groundbreaking initiative allows Ghanaian consumers to directly verify the accuracy of their electricity meters, a significant step towards greater accountability and consumer protection in essential services.
Pan-African Vision and Future Technologies
The 18th AFRIMETS General Assembly is not just a national affair; it carries profound implications for the entire African continent. With the Assembly celebrating 150 years of the Metre Convention, the Minister reiterated the importance of developing a metrology system that is both locally relevant and globally aligned.
This alignment is crucial for bolstering the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and supporting the broader objectives 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, emphasizing regional solidarity.
Looking to the future, Ghana is already exploring cutting-edge technologies. The Minister revealed plans to delve into areas such as 3D metrology, optical inspection, and X-ray and CT systems to further enhance the nation’s industrial capabilities and quality infrastructure.
The vision articulated is one of Ghana emerging as a hub for smart manufacturing, digital trade, and next-generation metrology.
Metrology as the Anchor for Progress
Dr. Henry Rotich, President of AFRIMETS, in his opening remarks, provided a compelling historical perspective on metrology, tracing its evolution from ancient Egyptian cubits to today’s sophisticated atomic clocks.
He emphasized that accurate and traceable measurements form the fundamental bedrock for scientific advancement, fair trade practices, robust public health systems, and effective environmental protection.
“Metrology fosters trust in trade, drives innovation in science, and anchors technological progress,” Dr. Rotich stated, underlining its enduring global relevance.
He commended Ghana for its leadership in the field, particularly applauding the Ghana Standards Authority for its proactive efforts in expanding measurement infrastructure and aligning with international systems. Ghana’s associate membership of the Metre Convention was cited as a testament to its unwavering commitment.
The General Assembly, bringing together delegates from nations including Kenya, Togo, France, The Gambia, Cape Verde, and Mexico, represents a vital platform.
As Mr. Hudu Mogtari, Board Chairman of the Ghana Standards Authority, eloquently put it, “Let us build a Metrology ecosystem that reflects African aspirations, amplify its voice to take its rightful place on the continent.”
The week-long gathering of technical committees, workshops, and industrial tours aims to collectively advance Africa’s metrology agenda, ensuring that precision underpins prosperity across the continent.
By Philip Antoh