The mandate and background of the Food and Drugs Authority, FDA, were discussed on Orange Sunrise when Prince Opoku Adutwum, Ashanti Regional Principal Regulatory Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, joined Alfa Ali.
Speaking during the interview, Prince Opoku Adutwum provided historical context to the establishment of the FDA. He explained that the institution was previously known as the Food and Drugs Board under PNDC Law 305 (B). However, Parliament later set aside that law and enacted the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), which gave birth to the Food and Drugs Authority in its current form.
According to him, the passage of Act 851 in 2012 formally established the FDA as a national regulatory body with expanded responsibilities in protecting public health.
Scope of Products Regulated by FDA
Prince Opoku Adutwum stated that the FDA is responsible for ensuring that food products imported into Ghana or manufactured locally are safe before they are placed on the market.
He explained that when the Authority refers to drugs, it includes allopathic medicines commonly found on the local market. The FDA also regulates herbal medicines and veterinary medicines.
In addition, cosmetics such as perfumes and toothpaste fall under the regulatory oversight of the FDA. Household chemical substances including detergents, deodorants, disinfectants and washing soaps are equally regulated by the Authority.
Prince Opoku Adutwum further indicated that medical devices form part of the FDA’s mandate. He cited condoms, pregnancy test kits and rapid diagnostic test kits as examples of medical devices that must be registered before being made available to the public.
Registration and Market Authorization
Prince Opoku Adutwum explained that whether a product is manufactured locally, imported into the country, or exported outside Ghana, it must first be registered by the FDA before it can be placed on the market.
He noted that as part of the regulatory process, products submitted for registration undergo scrutiny by the Authority. This includes a review of documentation supporting the application as well as laboratory analysis of the product itself.
If the FDA establishes that the product is safe for human use, it grants marketing authorization.
Inspection of Manufacturing Facilities
Beyond product assessment, Prince Opoku Adutwum stated that the FDA inspects manufacturing facilities, particularly for locally produced goods. He explained that FDA officers ensure that manufacturing sites comply with good manufacturing practices before approving production.
Regulation of Blood and Blood Products
Prince Opoku Adutwum also disclosed that the FDA regulates blood and blood products used in hospitals. He described blood used for transfusion as a medicine, adding that it must be regulated in the same manner as other medicinal products to ensure safety.
He reiterated that the overall mandate of the FDA is to protect public health by ensuring that regulated products placed on the Ghanaian market meet established safety and quality standards.
