First public University in Ghana achieves internationally recognized food testing accreditation

With the support of the UNIDO-led West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP), the Food Science and Technology Laboratory at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) has reached a major milestone by earning ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation for food testing. This marks the first time a public university in Ghana has attained this recognition, solidifying its reputation as a credible institution with enhanced testing capabilities.

Funded by the European Union (EU), the WACOMP-Ghana initiative aims to boost the competitiveness and enhance the quality of locally produced goods. The project strengthened laboratory capabilities, improved the technical expertise of laboratory personnel, facilitated the modernization of laboratory infrastructure, and the implementation of internationally recognized quality management systems. 

By empowering laboratories, WACOMP-Ghana has created a foundation for industries, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access credible testing facilities. This has enabled businesses to validate their product quality, comply with export regulations, and build trust among consumers and trade partners. As a result, Ghanaian goods are better positioned to enter international markets, facilitating exports and unlocking new opportunities. 

Dr. Charles Kwame Sackey, Chief Technical Advisor for UNIDO, highlighted the importance of sustaining the program’s impact, noting, “The accreditation is a testament to the collaborative efforts of UNIDO and the European Union in advancing exports and strengthening Ghanaian brands on the global stage.”

KNUST leadership expressed gratitude for the transformative impact of the accreditation. Professor Leonard K. Amekudzi, Provost of the College of Science at KNUST, noted the boost it provides to the university's educational and industrial contributions, while Professor Faustina D. Wireko-Manu, Head of the Department of Food Science and Technology, emphasized its alignment with KNUST’s mission to support the food industry, safeguard consumers, and enable business growth.

For more information, please contact Ebe Muschialli: e.muschialli [at] unido.org (e[dot]muschialli[at]unido[dot]org)