Ghana Standards Authority Shuts Down Four Companies in Afienya for Substandard Mattress Production

In a decisive move to protect public health and uphold product integrity, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) on Monday, May 18, 2026, shut down four mattress manufacturing companies in Afienya, near Tema. The operation targeted Yin Yuan Jia Limited, Mooda Limited, Hue Sheng Company (producers of Kalusini mattresses), and Asano Service for allegedly using substandard and potentially toxic chemical compounds in their products.

Market Surveillance Uncovers Dangerous Practices

The enforcement action stemmed from routine market surveillance activities conducted by the GSA. Subsequent laboratory analyses revealed that these Chinese-owned companies were deviating significantly from approved manufacturing standards.

Instead of utilizing polyurethane, the legally mandated and medically approved foam base for mattresses, the companies were found to be employing polystyrene and unapproved polyethylene derivatives. These materials are typically used for industrial packaging, not for direct consumer contact in bedding.

Health and Environmental Risks Identified

Experts warn that the use of polystyrene and polyethylene in mattresses poses serious health risks. Polystyrene, a rigid polymer, lacks the necessary structural integrity for proper orthopaedic support, potentially leading to spinal degradation over time.

Furthermore, these synthetic polymers can release volatile chemical emissions, which may cause severe respiratory distress and skin allergies among consumers. The GSA highlighted that these unapproved chemical mixtures failed all standard quality and safety tests.

Beyond immediate health concerns, the non-biodegradable nature of these materials presents a significant environmental challenge. Scrap materials and discarded mattresses manufactured with these polymers can clog drainage systems and contribute to long-term pollution in landfills, posing a permanent threat to the local environment in the Tema enclave.

Regulatory Action and Future Deterrence

The GSA’s Greater Accra Regional Manager, Mr. Clement Kubati, led the enforcement team, which included security personnel. Operations were halted immediately, and official cease-and-desist seals were placed on the machinery and warehouses of the affected factories.