The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) has cautioned the public against purchasing substandard and unapproved mattresses for students as schools reopen, warning that poor-quality products could affect their health, comfort and academic performance.
The Greater Accra Regional Manager of the GSA, Mr Clement Kubati, who issued the warning, said the Authority had, in previous enforcement exercises, shut down several companies found to be manufacturing substandard mattresses.
He said the reopening of schools had triggered increased demand for mattresses, with parents, philanthropists and Members of Parliament purchasing the products, sometimes in bulk, to support students and families with school requirements.
Mr Kubati, however, cautioned that the desire to reduce costs or support more students should not lead to the purchase and distribution of cheap, unapproved mattresses.
“Mattress is something that if you are not in class, then you are lying on it in the dormitory. You spend a lot of time on it,” he said.
He warned that prolonged use of substandard mattresses could expose students to back pain, spinal problems and other health complications, urging buyers not to compromise on quality because of price.
“Don’t go in for cheap mattresses. Don’t go in for unapproved mattresses. Go to the Ghana Standards Authority website, check for approved mattresses and buy one that will last long and keep your son or daughter comfortable in school,” he advised.
According to Mr Kubati, adequate sleep and physical comfort are critical to students’ well-being and academic performance, stressing that a student who wakes up with body pains may struggle to concentrate effectively in class.
He explained that a quality mattress should have an appropriate compression rate and be capable of returning to its original form after use, rather than quickly losing its shape and support.
Mr Kubati said although the GSA would continue its market surveillance and enforcement activities, regulatory action alone could not eliminate substandard products without consumers also taking responsibility for their purchasing decisions.
“We are still in the market, but enforcement alone is not enough. We want to advise parents, teachers, heads of schools and the general public to insist on approved mattresses,” he said.
He particularly appealed to Members of Parliament, politicians and philanthropists who donate mattresses to students and educational institutions to ensure that the products they distribute meet the required standards.
He stressed that efforts to support students should not inadvertently expose beneficiaries to inferior products that could negatively affect their health and well-being.
Mr Kubati further urged public institutions, including schools, colleges and hospitals, to prioritise quality and compliance when procuring mattresses, particularly as discussions continue around amendments to the country’s procurement legislation.
He maintained that ensuring compliance throughout the procurement chain would help protect consumers, promote quality manufacturing and prevent substandard mattresses from finding their way into schools and other public institutions.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
