The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has suspended the operations of nine sachet water producers in the Western North Region for operating with expired registration licences.
The affected producers operate within the Wiawso Municipality and the Bia West and East Districts.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Mr Albert Ankamah, Western North Regional Director of the FDA, explained that the clampdown formed part of a directive from the Acting CEO to ensure public health and safety.
He noted that the exercise aims to ensure that water producers, food processors, and drug manufacturers comply with good manufacturing, hygiene, and storage practices to safeguard consumers.
Mr Ankamah added that the exercise will be extended to all districts in the region, urging sachet water producers to take advantage of the FDA’s regional office to register their products and avoid sanctions.
Citing the Public Health Act, he emphasised that it is illegal to sell,
manufacture, or store products in unlicensed facilities. He advised producers to initiate the licensing and registration processes to remain compliant with the law.
He further encouraged the public to purchase only FDA-regulated and registered products, and to cross-check product registration details before buying.
Mr. Ankamah also highlighted the FDA’s “Progressive Licensing Scheme”, supported by the Ghana Enterprise Agency, which is designed to help producers regularise their operations. He urged businesses in the region to take advantage of the initiative.
Additionally, he noted that the sale and use of Tramadol has significantly reduced in the region, attributing the success to training workshops for over-the-counter medicine sellers and educational campaigns in junior and senior high schools.
He assured that the FDA will continue to collaborate with the police and the Narcotics Control Authority to combat the sale and use of illicit drugs in the region.
