The training on Managing National Standards Projects and Programmes will help to improve the capacity of national standards officers to support the operations of National Standards Bodies within the expected framework.

It would also help in coming out with products and services to protect public health and safety and the environment.

It would highlight the fundamental principles of good standardization practices and enhance understanding of the importance of applying project management approach to standards development processes.

Addressing the opening session, Mrs Prudence Asamoah-Bonti, the Deputy Director General of Operations, Ghana Standards Authority, emphasised the importance of standards in the socio-economic development of all countries.

The training would, therefore, enhance the capacity of national standards bodies in managing the work programme in a timely manner and provide tools to implement project management practices and integrate them across all levels of the standard development process.

She said to ensure the efficient development of standards, there was the need to understand the processes involved and improve on them to assist in the strategic development and management of standards work programmes.

Equally important is the need for participants to understand and appreciate a project management approach to enhance the process of standardization.

"What we are about to begin this morning is very important and serves as a foundation for the socio-economic growth of countries in the sub-region of Africa," Mrs Asamoah-Bonti said. 

The training is supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.