Nkawkaw: The Eastern Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has engaged stakeholders in food service establishments, particularly bakers, on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), product registration, and licensing requirements at Nkawkaw in the Kwahu West Municipality.
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Anita Owusu-Kuffour, the Eastern Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority, stated that the engagement aimed to promote food safety as part of the 'Buy Ghana Love Ghana Campaign'. This campaign encourages Ghanaians to prioritize locally made goods by raising awareness of their quality, affordability, and benefits to the local economy. She urged owners of food service establishments to adhere to improved standards to meet necessary criteria and be competitive in the global market.
During a stakeholder engagement in Nkawkaw, a key location for bakery products, Madam Owusu-Kuffour explained that the training program also aims to ensure that participants comply with the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851) Section 97: (1) and (4). She emphasized that this act requires individuals to register with the Authority before manufacturing, importing, exporting, distributing, or selling food. Furthermore, the Authority will register food only if it meets prescribed standards and manufacturing operations comply with current GMP codes.
Madam Owusu-Kuffour noted that such educational efforts would be extended to other districts and municipalities to increase the number of registered facilities in the region. Mr. Joseph Gyau Yeboah, Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDA Enforcement Unit in Koforidua, informed participants about licensing facilities, which involves submitting an application letter, business certificate, health certificate for workers, facility licensing fees, and undergoing GMP inspection.
He outlined that GMP inspections would be conducted at facilities to optimize productivity and foster a positive workplace culture. The practices include providing toilet facilities, handwashing stations, working gear, headgear, and proper packaging. The training program was organized in collaboration with the Environmental Health Unit at Nkawkaw.
Madam Hannah Asiedu, a baker, expressed gratitude to the FDA and requested periodic training programs on similar issues.
