Accra: The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the operations of nine sachet water producers in the Western North Region due to expired registration licenses. The affected producers are located within the Wiawso Municipality and the Bia West and East Districts.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Albert Ankamah, the Western North Regional Director of the FDA, stated that this initiative to clamp down on unlicensed producers was directed by the Acting CEO of the FDA. The primary goal is to ensure the safety of consumers by making sure that water producers, as well as food and drug manufacturers, comply with good manufacturing, hygienic, and storage practices.
Mr. Ankamah emphasized that the exercise is part of a broader effort that will extend to all districts within the region. He urged sachet water producers to leverage the presence of the FDA office in the region to register their products. He further explained that under the public health act, it is illegal to sell, manufacture, or store products in unlicensed facilities, and he encouraged producers to begin the licensing process to avoid legal repercussions.
He advised consumers to purchase only FDA-regulated and registered products and to verify the registration status of products before purchase. Additionally, Mr. Ankamah highlighted the FDA's 'Progressive Licensing Scheme,' supported financially by the Ghana Enterprise Agency, which is designed to assist producers and manufacturers in registering their products.
Mr. Ankamah also noted a significant reduction in the sale and use of Tramadol, attributed to a series of training workshops for over-the-counter medicine operators and educational programs in junior and senior high schools within the region. He affirmed the FDA's ongoing collaboration with the police and the Narcotics Control Authority to combat the sale and use of illicit drugs in the region.
