FDA Archives - Wontumi Online

26 Feb

FDA Responds To BBC Report On Unapproved Drug Imports

CUD WontumiBusiness, NewsBBC Reports, FDA, Unapproved drug imports

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has responded to a BBC Africa Eye investigation exposing the export of unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol by India’s Aveo Pharmaceuticals to West African countries, including Ghana. The FDA clarified that it has not registered or approved these substances for medical use in Ghana. Tapentadol, a potent opioid, and carisoprodol, a muscle relaxant, pose significant health risks, including addiction and severe side effects such as respiratory collapse and confusion. According to the FDA, its Centre for Import and Export Control has not processed any import permits for these substances, making their presence in…

26 Feb

FDA Suspends Aveo Pharmaceuticals’ Certification Over Opioid Smuggling

CUD WontumiBusiness, NewsAveo Pharmaceuticals’ Certificate, FDA, Opioid Smuggling

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revoked the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification of Aveo Pharmaceuticals, an Indian drug manufacturer, over its alleged role in the illegal distribution of opioid-based medications to West Africa. The move follows a BBC Africa Eye investigation, which uncovered how Aveo Pharmaceuticals, through Westfin International, reportedly exported unapproved drugs containing tapentadol and carisoprodol to Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. These substances, classified as highly addictive opioids, pose severe health risks, including respiratory failure and death when misused. In response to the findings, the FDA has directed Samos Pharma, a Ghana-based importer, to sever all…

16 Dec

FDA Engages Bar Operators On Tobacco Control Measures In Koforidua

wontumionlineBusiness, NewsBar operators, FDA

As part of the Tobacco Policy Action Fund for Africa (TOPAFA) project, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has organised a stakeholder engagement on tobacco control measures in the eastern regional capital, Koforidua. The meeting brought together hotel management, bar owners, restaurant operators, food vendors, and other entertainment service providers to discuss strategies to combat tobacco use. The TOPAFA project takes a unique approach to assisting qualifying governments in sub-Saharan African nations that have signed the World Health Organisation (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. About 34 tobacco vendors and students attended the one-day programme to learn more about the…

22 Nov

FDA Defends Best-Before-Date Extension On 22,000 Bags Of Rice For SHS Students

wontumionlineBusinessExpired rice, FDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has clarified its decision to extend the best-before-date for 22,000 bags of rice distributed to Senior High Schools (SHSs) across Ghana in February, stating that thorough quality assessments confirmed the rice remained safe for consumption. The FDA’s statement follows allegations by North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who claimed the rice, initially marked with a December 2023 best-before-date, was unwholesome and had been distributed after expiration. Mr Ablakwa also alleged that the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) and Lamens Investments Africa Limited had collaborated to distribute expired rice, which had been repackaged in…

21 Oct

FDA Warns Against Packaging And Distribution Of ‘Galamsey Water’

wontumionlineNewsFDA, Galamsey water

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a public warning against the packaging and distribution of water labeled as “galamsey water,” citing serious health risks linked to such practices. In a statement released on Monday, October 21, 2024, the FDA emphasized that this act violates the Public Health Act. “The FDA cautions that packaging unwholesome water not only jeopardizes public health but also poses significant risks to the population. It’s important to understand that a licensed facility for sachet water production cannot legally use its premises for any other products. Doing so breaches the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act…

13 Aug

FDA Ordered To Pay Over GH¢93M To Tobinco Pharmaceuticals For Unlawful Destruction Of Drugs

wontumionlineBusinessFDA, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals

The High Court in Accra (General Jurisdiction) on July 29, 2024, ordered the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to pay a total of GH¢93,905,760.79 million to Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd for the unlawful destruction of unexpired drugs belonging to Tobinco. In 2014, the FDA confiscated pharmaceutical products imported to Ghana by Tobinco on grounds that the products were unwholesome. In 2019, Tobinco sued FDA and asked the court to award cost against the FDA and declare its action as unlawful. Tobinco, the plaintiff judgement creditor in the suit was represented by Mr Philip Addison, of Addison Bright Sloane, Barristers, Solicitors, Consultants,…

22 Jul

Volta Region FDA Office To Mark 20 Years Anniversary

wontumionlineNewsFDA

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) until 2012, performed its duties of regulating activities of manufacturers and retailers across the country in two zones, according to the Public Health Act, 851, 2012. The Ashanti Regional office regulated the Northern sector while the Accra office controlled the southern sector. The Eastern/Volta office was subsequently, established in 2004. Mrs. Nora Nakie Tei-Larbi was the first Regional Head who administered operations from 2004-2008. She was succeeded by Roderick Daddy Adjei, whose tenure spanned between 2008 and 2015. Eugene Addo was appointed the head of the region from 2015 to 2018. Some key founding…

19 Jun

Supreme Court Throws Out Suit Callenging FDA Guideline On Using Celebrities For Advertising Alcoholic Products

wontumionlineNewscelebrity endorsing alcohol, FDA, supreme court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday threw out a suit, which sought to challenge the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) guideline on using celebrities for advertising alcoholic products. Graphic Online's Justice Agbenorsi reports from the court that the Supreme Court by a 5-2 majority decision thrown out a suit challenging a guideline by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) which prohibits celebrities and well-known personalities from being used for advertising alcoholic products. In a ruling Wednesday, a seven member panel of the apex court, Justice Gertrude Torkonoo, held that the FDA guideline is not unreasonable neither does it contradict Article 17…

19 Jun

Supreme Court To Deliver Judgment On FDA’s Ban On Celebrity Alcohol Endorsement Today

wontumionlineNewsFDA, supreme court

The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its judgment in the case requesting the cancellation of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)’s directive against alcoholic advertisements by celebrities today, June 19. This is after a seven-member panel of the Supreme Court chaired by Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo deferred judgment on the matter for the second time. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in 2015 effected a directive meant to regulate the use of alcohol among Ghanaians. However, aspects of their guidelines prevent celebrities from advertising for alcoholic beverages. The Authority had explained that due to the influential nature of these…

10 Apr

Court Defers Ruling On FDA’s Ban On Celebs Endorsing Alcoholic Beverages

wontumionlineShowbizalcoholic beverages, celebrities, FDA

The Supreme Court has deferred its judgment in the case in which Mark Darlington Osae has filed a suit against directives that banned celebrities in alcoholic advertisements to April 24, 2024. The apex Court panel of seven had fixed Wednesday, April 10, for its judgement. However, uncertainties surrounding the date for the celebration of the Eid-ul-Fitr following a month of Ramadan fast played a part in the adjournment. The Food and Drugs Authority(FDA), had issued a directive that placed a ban on celebrities from advertising for alcoholic beverages. The FDA’s directives which barred the use of celebrities in plugging alcoholic beverages…