He described the import of used or low-quality diapers into the Ghanaian market as a national health crisis and a major threat to the local economy.

“These are diapers that are considered waste in their countries of origin, but due to greed and weak enforcement, they are being smuggled into Ghana and sold cheaply in our markets.

They’re not manufactured in hygienic conditions and can pose serious health risks, including exposure to rotavirus and other infections,” he said.

Mr Ye raised the concern when the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism paid a working visit to the company in Accra last Friday.

The visit was part of the committee’s duty to go round the industrial zones to identify performing companies, get their operations and find out what their challenges are.

Sunda International Ghana, a subsidiary of the Sunda Group, was established in 2004 as part of the company's strategic expansion into the West African market.

Headquartered in Accra, it specialises in the manufacturing and distribution of a wide range of consumer products, including ceramics, sanitary ware, hygiene products and personal care items.

Mr Ye disclosed that over 2.4 million babies aged one to three were exposed to such poor-quality diapers every year, adding that “mothers unknowingly buy these products because of their low prices, not knowing they are endangering their babies’ health.”

Beyond the health concerns, the MD pointed to rampant smuggling and under-declaration at the country’s ports, particularly the Tema Port. “Some importers declare full containers of diapers as clothing to evade taxes. Others under-declare the price per kilogramme, depriving the state of millions in revenue annually,” he revealed.

He added that despite efforts by the FDA, Customs and the Ghana Standards Authority to clamp down on the menace, the market remained saturated with such harmful products.

“These agencies are doing their best, but it is only a drop in the ocean.

Without firm policies and stricter enforcement at the port of entry, the problem will persist,” Mr Ye stressed.

He recounted how those illegal activities had forced the company to dismantle two of its baby diaper production lines in the country, resulting in over 300 job losses.

“We had to move the lines to Uganda and Nigeria because we couldn’t compete with the low prices of these smuggled goods,” he lamented.

On detergents, he explained that although local manufacturers like Sunda have the capacity to produce 250,000 tons annually, which is far more than the country’s local demand of about 61,200 tons, illegal imports of finished detergent powders continue to dominate the market.

“Importers are taking advantage of duty exemptions meant for raw materials.

They bring in finished products, repackage them locally and sell them at prices we cannot match.

In 2023, we operated at just 50 per cent of our washing powder plant’s capacity, and for some months, we had to shut down completely,” he added.

He further alleged that some imported detergents were misleadingly labelled, stating that “a bag might say 400 grammes, but when weighed, it’s only 350 grammes.

Consumers are being short-changed.

The MD appealed to the government to consider classifying baby diapers as high-risk and essential products and to develop clear policies to safeguard infant health and protect Ghana’s young industries.

“Policy is key. Legislators are the game changers.

We are not saying don’t trade—but protect your own.

Even the U.S. imposes duties to protect its industries.

Why can’t Ghana do the same?” he questioned.