The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken bold steps to protect public health by refusing to certify unbranded diapers and sanitary pads entering the Ghanaian market. These products, some of which are refurbished and re-bagged without indicating their country of origin, pose significant health risks to consumers.
The FDA’s efforts, led by CEO Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, have been commendable, especially given her commitment to serving Ghana despite changes in government. Dr. Darko’s over 20 years of experience at the FDA, serving under both NDC and NPP governments, is a testament to her competence to public health. According to my investigation, Dr Darko has remained a hard stone to crack in respect of these criminal activities.
However, the FDA’s work is being hindered by some interest groups, which are allegedly standing in the way of destroying these harmful products. Furthermore, my investigations have revealed that some of these products are usually seized by CEPS but then auctioned back to the same importers, who according to investigations are mainly NPP elements put them back on the market, compromising public safety, but this time around Dr Darko is hell bent and destroying these sanitary pad. She has also said she will blacklist these companies forever and will be unable to lift these products onto the market.
The FDA and government are urged to take decisive action against these rogue importers, who are putting profits over people’s lives. We believe that, local manufacturers have the capacity to supply the market with quality products, making it unnecessary to allow substandard imports.
I’m pretty confident that FDA under Dr Delese Mimi Darko will prioritize the safety of Ghanaians and ensure that these harmful products are destroyed and will be destroyed when such arise again. The public is also encouraged to support the FDA’s efforts and report any instances of these products being sold on the market.
-Boutrous Andy
