Former Deputy Ambassador to China and NPP hopeful Dr Charles Dwamena, known as Dr China, cautioned Ghanaian traders, regulators and consumers on Tuesday that Chinese manufacturers produce goods in varying quality grades, and that local stakeholders must exercise due diligence to prevent inferior products from entering the market.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, Dr Dwamena likened the trade relationship to dealing with a twin sibling: “The onus will be on you to cross your T and dot your I.” He warned that assuming Chinese goods are automatically good because of close ties could lead to costly mistakes.
He explained that a single product line, such as shoes, can have up to ten grades ranging from top to lowest quality, leaving importers to decide which level to purchase. Regulators, he added, also bear responsibility at entry points to block inferior items.
Dr Dwamena urged consumers not to chase the lowest price, noting that cheaper products are not always better. He cited the European Union’s stringent entry regulations as a model, where manufacturers and importers prioritize quality and consumers demand it.
“You can’t blame the Chinese manufacturer; you need to look at your own space—the people going for it, the regulators at the entry point, and the buyers who will ultimately purchase,” he said.
Ghana’s trade relationship with China therefore requires heightened scrutiny from all parties to ensure that only products meeting required standards reach local shelves.
