By Domingo Dargbeh
The Liberia Standards Authority (LISA) has commemorated World Quality Day with themed: “Quality, Think Differently.”
LISA observed the event in collaboration with the European Union (EU) under the Cassava Transformation Project (CASTRAP).
The celebration, held over the weekend in Congo Town, aimed to rethink and innovate approaches to quality in products, and services that are vital for economic growth.
Commerce Assistant Minister for Administration, Varney M. Sheriff, opened the ceremony on behalf of Commerce and Industry Minister Magdalene E. Dagoseh.
Sheriff underscored the importance of quality in national development and consumer protection.
“Quality is not merely a set of technical specifications or regulatory requirements. It is a culture, a discipline, and a national commitment.”
Sheriff highlighted the need to prioritize quality, “an act to attract investment, enhance productivity, and gain access to international markets, thereby building resilience in the face of economic challenges.”
Sheriff said improving quality standards is essential for increasing the competitiveness of businesses, expanding export potential, and safeguarding consumers.
He reiterated government’s commitment to make quality a central tenet of industrial policy and consumer protection. The event also featured remarks from LISA Deputy Director General for Technical Services, Koakun Emmanuel Myers, who said, this year’s celebration serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uphold quality standards across all sectors. The program included the launch of a national quality certification; a significant milestone that symbolizes adherence to both national and international quality standards. The certification aims to help consumers identify products that meet the standards; provide producers with a competitive edge in both local and international markets. Myers called for a renewed collective resolve to make quality a national value, urging innovation and collaboration across sectors to ensure that Liberia’s products, not only meet, but exceed global standards.
The day ended with a call to action for all stakeholders to embrace quality as a non-negotiable aspect of their operations, ensuring accurate measurements and protecting consumers.