Mr. Isaac Nii Tribi Hammond, Regional Director, Ghana Standard Authority (GSA), has called for a total ban of the importation of sub-standard or fake cables that continue to get into the market -- causing frequent outbreaks of fire and damage to electrical gadgets in the country.

Fake or sub-standard cables can be identified by characteristics such as reduced diameter of copper conductor, sub-standard insulation, reduced insulation thickness, shorter length per coil, fake labels, and fake packaging.

He called for strict implementation of the law to punish any individual or corporate bodies that import such cables into the country, which he said would deter others from engaging in the illegal activities.

Mr. Hammond disclosed this to B&FT in an interview at Tamale to ascertain ways of reducing the fire outbreaks generated in some of the villages in the north, stating that the presence of sub-standard electrical cables poses a danger to lives and property in the country.

“It is a problem that must seriously be dealt with to ensure that the safety of the people in this country is secure,” he stated.

He urged the public to avoid purchasing sub-standard or fake cables to help reduce frequent fire outbreaks.

The Regional Officer disclosed that information reaching GSA indicates that some individuals bargain for old electrical cables retrieved from old or dilapidated buildings for re-use in their buildings -- with some also purchasing the less expensive ones, claiming the local one are too expensive to afford.

He said the use of non-copper conductors can lead to cable over-heating, fire outbreaks, electric shocks from walls; and damage to appliances such as air-conditioners, radios, televisions, and refrigerators among others.

He called on stakeholders such as the Ghana Electrical Traders Association (GETA), Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA) as well as battery dealers to collaborate with the GSA to ensure safety for the people in the country.

He urged the public to patronise only electrical products that are of acceptable quality, whether locally manufactured or imported.

“Locally manufactured cables such as those produced by Nexans Kable metal, Tropical Cable Conductors Limited and Reroy Cables Limited meet national and international standards and guarantee safety of users,” he emphasised.

He stressed that GSA will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI) and the Customs Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) to ensure that electrical cables and other electrical products are inspected and tested by the GSA before release at the various ports and entry points.