The African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) has unanimously conferred the honorary title of President Emeritus on Professor Alex Dodoo following resolutions passed by both its Executive Council and General Assembly.
The decision was announced during the 31st General Assembly of ARSO held last Friday in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in recognition of Prof. Dodoo’s exceptional leadership in advancing continental standards for trade, safety, and sustainable development.
The resolution grants him a continued advisory role in ARSO’s strategic direction while mentoring future leaders in standardisation across Africa.
Secretary-General of ARSO, Dr. Hermogene Nsengimana, noted that the title of President Emeritus is reserved for individuals whose influence transcends their tenure, reflecting lifelong dedication to the field of standardisation.
Track Record of Excellence
As immediate past ARSO President and Director-General of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Dodoo spearheaded the creation of critical structures within ARSO and championed harmonisation initiatives supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
A renowned expert in pharmaceuticals, public health, and regulatory standards, Prof. Dodoo has played a transformative role in shaping Africa’s standardisation landscape.
Under his leadership, ARSO achieved stronger collaboration among member states, culminating in this year’s general assembly, which saw a record participation of 34 countries — the highest in the organisation’s history.
His advocacy for the “One Standard, One Test, One Acceptance” agenda has significantly contributed to eliminating technical barriers to trade and promoting continental economic integration.
In his new capacity, Prof. Dodoo will continue to provide strategic guidance to ARSO, mentor emerging standardisation professionals, and represent Africa’s interests in global standards institutions such as the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Accepting the honour, Prof. Dodoo said, “This honour is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of the collective efforts of all stakeholders working toward a standardised, competitive, and quality-driven Africa. Our journey is far from over, and I remain committed to the vision of an Africa where standards fuel prosperity.”
A Vision for the Future
As President Emeritus, Prof. Dodoo is expected to focus on strengthening Africa’s quality infrastructure, advocating for standards in emerging sectors such as renewable energy and digital economies, and bridging gaps between academia, industry, and policymakers.
Executive Director of the Standards Division at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), Dr. Sadhvir Bissoon, praised Prof. Dodoo’s role in leading the ARSO Council’s strategic and governance efforts, including reviewing laws and statutes.
“I hope he will continue to serve the needs and aspirations of ARSO in his new role,” Dr. Bissoon said in an interview with the Daily Graphic.
Private sector stakeholders at the assembly also commended Prof. Dodoo for aligning African standards with global best practices. Regional Director of COTECNA, Antoine Anne, described the appointment as a reaffirmation of Africa’s commitment to excellence in standardisation.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
