IEAG Leadership Pays Courtesy Call on Omanbapa Group Ahead of Ghana's PVoC Rollout

Accra, Ghana – Omanbapa Group of Companies has hosted the Governing Board and Executive Leadership of the Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) on a high-level courtesy visit aimed at strengthening stakeholder collaboration ahead of the nationwide implementation of Ghana's Pre-Verification of Conformity (PVoC) Programme, scheduled to commence on 1 October 2026.

 

The visit provided an opportunity for the Association to gain first-hand insight into the operational readiness of Omanbapa Auto & PVoC Ltd, the Ghanaian company supporting the implementation of the new conformity assessment programme in collaboration with internationally accredited inspection partners on behalf of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

 

The IEAG delegation was led by its Executive Secretary, Mr. Sampson Asaki Awingobit and was warmly received by the Chief Executive Officer of Omanbapa Group, Mr. Bernard Oduro Takyi together with members of the company's executive management.

 

During the visit, Mr. Takyi conducted the delegation through the company's facilities and presented the strategic objectives of the PVoC Programme, explaining how the initiative will strengthen Ghana's import quality assurance framework while facilitating legitimate trade.

 

He highlighted Omanbapa's collaboration with AutoTerminal Japan and other internationally recognised technical partners in delivering inspection, verification and conformity assessment services that align with global standards and support Ghana's industrial and economic transformation agenda.

 

A Shared Commitment to Ghana's Development

Speaking during the engagement, Mr. Sampson Asaki Awingobit commended Omanbapa Group for its pioneering role in establishing a Ghanaian-owned inspection company capable of supporting such a significant national programme.

 

He reiterated that the Association remains committed to constructive engagement with government and industry stakeholders.

"We will criticize where necessary and commend where it is deserved. As an Association, we believe Ghanaian initiatives that advance national development deserve our support. What belongs to Ghana must be protected."

 

Mr. Awingobit noted that the implementation of the PVoC Programme has the potential to improve transparency within the import sector while helping to address longstanding challenges associated with the importation of unsafe, accident-damaged, stolen and substandard vehicles.

 

He further stressed the importance of discouraging tax evasion and strengthening compliance mechanisms that protect government revenue and create a fair-trading environment for legitimate importers.

 

Strategic Dialogue on Trade Facilitation

The meeting also served as a platform for broader discussions on Ghana's evolving trade and standards landscape. Key topics included:

1. Homologation of general goods and services.
2. Pre-shipment inspection and conformity assessment.
3. Destination inspection and regulatory compliance.
4. Automotive sector development and quality assurance.
    

• Stakeholder collaboration in supporting national standards implementation.

Both parties acknowledged the importance of continuous engagement between regulators, industry players and the private sector to ensure that the implementation of the PVoC Programme delivers its intended benefits to businesses consumers and the Ghanaian economy.

 

Building Partnerships for National Progress

The courtesy visit reflects Omanbapa Group's commitment to maintaining open dialogue with key industry stakeholders as Ghana prepares for one of its most significant trade facilitation reforms.

 

Through strategic partnerships, international technical cooperation and stakeholder engagement, Omanbapa Group remains committed to supporting the Ghana Standards Authority in delivering a transparent, efficient and internationally credible conformity assessment system that promotes quality, protects consumers and facilitates sustainable economic growth.