The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in Ghana, in collaboration with the Consumer Protection Agency, has conducted a successful operation to seize unapproved diapers from shops across the region. This exercise was prompted by complaints about the quality of some diapers and concerns over their potential health implications, particularly for infants and children.
The operation, led by Mr. Jiah Jiato Juah, the Regulatory Officer 1 (RO1) of the FDA, targeted shops and supermarkets in the Bolgatanga and Kassena-Nankana Municipalities, as well as the Zebilla District. Despite pleas from shop owners claiming ignorance of the law, the team, accompanied by officials of the Ghana Police Service, confiscated the unapproved diapers.
According to Mr. Abel Ndego, the Acting Regional Head of the FDA, the authority is mandated to protect public health by ensuring that regulated products meet the required safety and quality standards. He emphasized that the FDA's database of registered products enables its officers to identify brands that are not authorized for sale in Ghana.
The exercise not only targeted unregistered diapers but also some registered brands that had entered Ghana through unapproved channels or were not intended for the Ghanaian market. Mr. Ndego explained that such products contravene the regulations and their marketing authorization terms and conditions, making them liable to seizure and detention.
The FDA's operation is part of its efforts to reassure the public that consumer safety remains a priority. The authority is committed to ensuring that every regulated product meets both local and international quality and safety standards. Mr. Ndego expressed appreciation to the Consumer Protection Agency, the Ghana Police Service, the media, and his staff for supporting the exercise.
The FDA also used the opportunity to educate traders about the risks associated with exposing unapproved products to unsuspecting consumers. Mr. Ndego appealed to traders whose products were seized to understand that the action was taken in the interest of public health. He reaffirmed the FDA's commitment to making the Upper East Region the most regulatory-compliant region in Ghana.
The authority has pledged to continuously commit to securing the welfare and well-being of all Ghanaians, particularly the inhabitants of the Upper East Region. The FDA will continue to do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the region. The exercise demonstrates the FDA's resolve to ensure that only safe and quality products are available to consumers in Ghana.
Key points
- The FDA and Consumer Protection Agency seized unapproved diapers from shops in Ghana's Upper East Region.
- The exercise was conducted to address concerns over potential health implications of unapproved diapers.
- The FDA has pledged to continue ensuring consumer safety and making the Upper East Region the most regulatory-compliant region in Ghana.
