Mattress-makers warn of surge in substandard products

By Kizito CUDJOE

A group of mattress manufacturers in Ashanti Region has raised the alarm over a growing influx of substandard mattresses from uncertified producers, warning that the trend poses serious health risks to consumers and threatens the survival of legitimate local businesses.

The manufacturers said this proliferation of inferior products – often produced without regulatory oversight – undermines fair competition, erodes consumer confidence and exposes buyers to back and spinal health complications.

They urged authorities to intensify market surveillance and enforcement of quality standards to safeguard public health and protect the local industry, while advising the public to exercise caution when purchasing mattresses.

Speaking at a media engagement in Kumasi, group spokesperson Yaw Ampem-Darko Antwi said the production of these mattresses – allegedly by some Chinese nationals in the region – is being done illegally and without certification from the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), in violation of national safety regulations.

“These products are made with poor-quality foam and materials that collapse within months of use, endangering users and collapsing genuine businesses which adhere to standards,” he said.

He added that such mattresses, often very light in weight, lack the GSA seal and manufacturer label – making it difficult to trace their source.

The group called on relevant authorities to intensify inspections at retail outlets and production sites, warning that continued inaction could lead to a public health crisis, job losses and revenue decline in the local manufacturing sector.

Mr. Antwi said several legitimate producers have already been forced to cut staff due to declining sales – citing Ash Foam, which has recently reduced its workforce in response to the influx of inferior products.

“We are urging all Ghanaians to be cautious when buying these products, given the health repercussions from their use,” he said, calling on media to help raise public awareness.

The group includes major local brands such as Ash Foam, Royal Foam, Extra Comfort Foam, Quality Foam and Unique Foam.

The Chief Executive-Extra Comfort Foam, Frank Appiah, said on the event’s sidelines that consumers should not compromise their health for cheaper alternatives which fail to meet required safety standards.

“Unlike certified producers, these mattresses do not meet the health and safety standards set by GSA,” he said, urging government to ensure all investors and foreign producers comply with national and global standards.

It will be recalled that GSA, acting under the Ghana Standards Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1078), has already announced plans to begin a nationwide enforcement exercise by September 30, 2025 – targetting the illegal production, distribution and sale of substandard mattresses.

Section 29 of Act 1078 prohibits the manufacture, sale or distribution of any product that fails to meet applicable national standards, while Section 43 empowers the Authority to seize or prohibit the sale of non-conforming goods to protect public health and consumer welfare.

“The mattresses can pose detrimental health effects such as chronic back-pain, neck-pain and poor sleep quality,” GSA said in a recent statement. “The public is strongly advised to purchase only mattresses that bear the GSA Certification Mark as proof of quality and safety.”

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