The Ghana Standards Authority has shut down four mattress manufacturing companies at Afienya near Tema for allegedly producing substandard mattresses with unapproved and potentially harmful chemicals.
The affected companies — Yin Yuan Jia Limited, Mooda Limited, Hue Sheng Company, producers of Kalusini mattresses, and Asano Service — were sealed off by regulatory officers on Monday, May 18, 2026, following an enforcement operation.
The mainly Chinese-owned firms are accused of using substandard chemical compounds in the production of mattresses for the Ghanaian market.
According to the GSA, routine market surveillance and laboratory tests revealed that the companies were using polystyrene and unapproved polyethylene derivatives instead of polyurethane, the approved foam material for mattress production.
Polystyrene is typically used as protective packaging material for electronic appliances, including refrigerators, microwaves, air conditioners and blenders.
Regulators warned that the material lacks the structural support required for bedding and may expose consumers to harmful chemical emissions.
A GSA enforcement team led by the Greater Accra Regional Manager, Mr. Clement Kubati, stormed the factories with security personnel, ordered an immediate halt to production and sealed the facilities.
Addressing journalists during the operation, Mr. Kubati expressed concern over what he described as a blatant disregard for consumer safety and manufacturing standards.
“This is the chemical they use in the manufacture of these substandard mattresses — polyethylene. As far as GSA is concerned, this chemical is not approved. These are non-biodegradable chemicals. They have impact on the environment as well as human health,” he stated.
The GSA said the chemical mixtures used by the companies failed standard quality and safety tests.
Health experts warn that prolonged exposure to such industrial polymers in bedding materials could trigger respiratory complications, skin irritation and spinal problems due to poor body support.
Environmental concerns have also been raised over the non-biodegradable nature of the materials, which could worsen pollution in drainage systems and landfill sites within the Tema enclave.
The Authority indicated that the factories will remain closed indefinitely while management of the affected companies face possible prosecution, administrative sanctions and heavy fines.
