Thursday, 17 September 2026

Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026

Thursday, 17 September 2026

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Ghanaian press · Organization

Food and Drugs Authority

Also known as: FDA

Food and Drugs Authority — regulatory body that conducts product testing, market surveillance, and enforcement operations to protect consumer safety in Ghana.

2026-04-242026-09-17

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

May 2026
11 MayThe Chronicle
… This is why the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), together with metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies must intensify routine inspections nationwide. …
Editorial: Local Assemblies, FDA Must Enforce Correct Disposal Of Expired Foods
8 MayBusiness & Financial Times
… Afanyedey said the chamber continues to engage key state institutions, including the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), in an effort to improve responsiveness and ease of doing business. …
AmCham, UKGCC host jazz-themed networking event
4 MayBusiness & Financial Times
… One troubling condition is that the Food and Drugs Authority of Ghana has no power to scrutinize any vaccines or drugs entering Ghana, once the US FDA has approved them. …
Development Discourse with Amos Safo: A bold stand against United States’ health deal
2 MayJoy Online
… She, therefore, called on the relevant institutions like the Food and Drugs Authority to increase public education and regulatory oversight to ensure safe baking practices, stressing that bread had become a staple food and must be produced with the highest standards of safety and …
Don’t store bread beyond four days – Baker advises consumers
1 MayJoy Online
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is one of the national bodies responsible for protecting public health in Ghana. …
“This Advert Is FDA-Approved” – Unpacking the FDA tagline: What consumers need to know
April 2026
30 AprBusiness & Financial Times
… Its food and beverage sector is growing fast, and with groups like the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority keeping a closer eye on things, there’s a big chance to get quality practices right from the start and make them work on a large scale. …
Reducing waste, increasing profit: How lean quality practices are transforming food and beverage manufacturing

Society

Ghana's drug enforcement system too fragmented, warns security consultant

The News

Security Consultant Dr Ishmael Norman warns that Ghana's drug enforcement system is too fragmented to effectively confront cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, citing weaknesses across multiple institutions including NACCOC, the FDA, the Ghana Standards Board, Customs, and National Security. He calls for a review of the country's security architecture and institutional arrangements to treat drug trafficking as an existential threat rather than an occasional emergency.

17 hours ago · Joy Online →

Today

Ghana's drug enforcement system too fragmented, warns security consultant
Security Consultant Dr Ishmael Norman warns that Ghana's drug enforcement system is too fragmented to effectively confront cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, citing weaknesses across multiple institutions including NACCOC, the FDA, the Ghana Standards Board, Customs, and National Security. He calls for a review of the country's security architecture and institutional arrangements to treat drug trafficking as an existential threat rather than an occasional emergency.
17 hours ago · Joy Online →

Thursday 10 September

GROW2 project reaches 52,000 women farmers across three regions
The GROW2 project, funded by the Canadian government and implemented by Mennonite Economic Development Associates, has exceeded its targets by reaching 52,000 women smallholder farmers, 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs and 61 small and medium-sized enterprises across 27 districts in the Northern, Savannah and Upper West regions, surpassing its initial goal of 40,000 women farmers, 5,000 micro-entrepreneurs and 50 agribusinesses.
10 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 9 September

FDA and CPA seize over four million unregistered baby diapers
Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority and Consumer Protection Agency have confiscated more than four million fake, unregistered, or non-compliant baby diapers in a nationwide market surveillance exercise to protect children from unsafe baby care products. The operation, which began in the Western Region, targeted unregistered and unbranded diapers being sold without proper registration, labelling, or evidence of safety compliance.
9 September 2026 · Daily Guide →
FDA warns against falsified Dr Alfred Capsules adulterated with sildenafil
The Food and Drugs Authority has warned the public against falsified Dr Alfred Capsules, a dietary supplement for male vitality, after laboratory tests found them adulterated with sildenafil citrate. The FDA identified an organised syndicate operating in Accra and Suhum manufacturing and distributing the falsified products, with two suspects arrested and assisting with investigations.
9 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 8 September

Trader fined for selling counterfeit Amuzu bitters and forging trademarks
The Asokwa Circuit Court Two fined trader Jeanice Mensah GH¢12,000 (1,000 penalty units) for dealing in counterfeit Amuzu Bitters and forging trademarks. She pleaded guilty and faces two months' imprisonment in hard labour in default of payment, with sentences to run concurrently.
8 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 7 September

Court fines trader for selling counterfeit Amuzu Bitters
The Asokwa Circuit Court has fined trader Jeanice Mensah GH¢12,000 for dealing in counterfeit Amuzu Bitters and forging trademarks; she will serve two months' hard labour in default.
7 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Trade minister urges exporters to meet global quality standards
Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Ghana's Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister, has urged Ghanaian exporters to prioritise compliance with global standards and quality requirements, saying increased production alone cannot guarantee success in international markets. She noted that food safety, traceability, certification, packaging, and quality standards are essential for competing under market access arrangements like the African Continental Free Trade Area.
7 September 2026 · Daily Guide →
Lawyer calls for cosmetology council to formalise Ghana's beauty sector
Elsie Appau-Klu has called for the establishment of a cosmetology council and formalisation of Ghana's beauty and wellness industry, arguing this will unlock its potential for youth employment, entrepreneurship, and revenue generation. She noted the sector, which ranges from hairdressing to spa services, employs and serves millions of Ghanaians but remains largely informal despite its economic importance.
7 September 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana signs agreement to boost vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing
Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding on August 21, 2026, to participate in the African Pooled Procurement Mechanism, giving Ghanaian pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturers access to a larger continental market and creating more predictable demand for locally manufactured health products.
7 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 5 September

Less than 15% of traditional medicine practitioners registered
The Traditional Medicine Practice Council says fewer than 15 per cent of more than 100,000 traditional medicine practitioners in Ghana are registered in its database, making regulatory oversight difficult. The council has visited over 500 practice premises across the country in recent months, closing some due to public health risks, and is urging the public to verify practitioners' licences before seeking treatment.
5 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 3 September

FDA orders Arcan Bitters recall for undeclared drug substance
The Food and Drugs Authority has ordered the recall of Arcan Bitters from the market after laboratory tests found the product was adulterated with Sildenafil Citrate, a prescription medicine. The manufacturer has been directed to recall all stock within 14 days, and the factory in Asokore Mampong Municipality has been closed due to health and safety risks including potential interaction with other medicines and risk of stroke or heart attack.
3 September 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →

Wednesday 2 September

FDA recalls Arcan Bitters for undeclared erectile dysfunction drug
The Food and Drugs Authority has ordered the recall of Arcan Bitters from the Ghanaian market after laboratory tests found it had been adulterated with Sildenafil Citrate, a prescription-only drug used to treat erectile dysfunction. The manufacturer has been given 14 days to withdraw the product, and its manufacturing facility in Asokore Mampong Municipality has been shut down.
2 September 2026 · Joy Online →
NDPC, AGI and Coca-Cola discuss Ghana's food and nutrition policy
The National Development Planning Commission met with the Association of Ghana Industries and The Coca-Cola Company to discuss Ghana's evolving food and nutrition policy environment and explore collaboration opportunities between government and industry on public health, innovation, investment, and sustainable economic growth.
2 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 1 September

VAST Ghana urges nationwide crackdown on cigarette-shaped lollipops
Civil society group VAST Ghana has called for nationwide enforcement action against an unregistered product called "Cigarette Rod Lollipop" after the FDA, police, and National Security seized quantities from Accra markets and arrested a suspect. VAST Ghana is urging expanded surveillance, border controls, and laboratory testing of the confiscated products to protect children.
1 September 2026 · Joy Online →

Monday 31 August

FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra
The Food and Drugs Authority seized quantities of unregistered Cigarette Rod Lollipop candy in Accra's CBD, citing unknown composition and public health risks, and warning that the cigarette-shaped design could encourage smoking among children.
31 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
FDA seizes unregistered cigarette-shaped candy in Accra
The Food and Drugs Authority has seized unregistered Cigarette Rod Lollipop candy from the Central Business District of Accra, warning that its composition is unknown and its cigarette-like design could encourage children to smoke. A suspect has been arrested and is in custody pending investigation.
31 August 2026 · The Ghanaian Times →
Food safety concerns from mining pollution and chemical use
Joy Online discusses concerns about contaminated local farm produce due to illegal mining activities ("galamsey"), plastic waste pollution of soils, and the use of chemicals to preserve or artificially ripen foods sold in markets, raising questions about the safety of Ghanaian-grown foods.
31 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Saturday 29 August

Ghana demands ban on cigarette-shaped candy sold to children
A candy product designed to look like lit cigarettes, sold in packaging featuring cartoon children smoking, has sparked public outrage in Ghana. Prominent figures including Dr. George Anagli and musician Kofi Kinaata are calling on the Food and Drugs Authority to ban the product, arguing it glamorizes smoking to children.
29 August 2026 · Daily Guide →
FDA arrests traders at Makola Market for selling cigarette toffee
The Food and Drugs Authority has conducted an enforcement operation at Makola Market in Accra, arresting traders allegedly selling products locally called "cigarette toffee," which the FDA considers unsafe or unsuitable for consumption. The Authority is investigating the seized products and traders as part of efforts to protect consumers, particularly children, from potentially harmful items.
29 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 28 August

Ghanaian business executive nominated for Forty Under 40 awards
Hakeem Jason Adamu, founder and CEO of Furniture Fie Ltd and CMP Network Ghana Limited, has secured a nomination in the Architecture category for the 2026 Forty Under 40 Awards Ghana. His ventures span furniture retail, real estate, media production, and hospitality, with a focus on youth employment and local economic development.
28 August 2026 · Daily Guide →

Thursday 27 August

Customs, port stakeholders address container delays at Tema
The Commissioner of Customs joined senior officials from GPHA, MPS, and other maritime and security agencies to address operational bottlenecks affecting container movement at Tema Port's MPS Terminal 3. Discussions focused on improving coordination, reducing congestion, and shortening cargo turnaround times.
27 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Wednesday 26 August

Recycle Up! Ghana urges more funding for youth green entrepreneurs
Recycle Up! Ghana's director has called for increased government and corporate funding to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the circular economy, citing inadequate funding as a major obstacle to green economy jobs. The organisation's incubation programme, running since 2019, targets entrepreneurs aged 18–35 developing waste management and green business solutions.
26 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Tuesday 25 August

FDA seizes flood-damaged drinks in Accra amid resale attempt
The Food and Drugs Authority has seized about a truckload of flood-damaged bottled water and soft drinks that were allegedly being washed and repackaged for sale in Accra following recent floods. The FDA warned that floodwater-submerged products pose a significant risk of cholera, typhoid fever, dysentery and other water-borne diseases, noting that washing the outside does not render the contents safe.
25 August 2026 · Joy Online →
FDA intensifies monitoring to ensure iodised salt reaches consumers
The Food and Drugs Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that salt produced for human consumption is adequately iodised and meets required safety standards, intensifying monitoring efforts to protect consumers from iodine deficiency disorders. The authority cautioned salt producers and transporters against conveying industrial and edible salt in the same vehicle, citing risks of cross-contamination and misuse.
25 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Friday 21 August

FDA records GH¢70m surplus in 2025, assets rise to GH¢358m
The Food and Drugs Authority recorded a GH¢70 million surplus in 2025, a 51 per cent increase from GH¢46 million in 2024, with total assets rising from GH¢296 million to GH¢358 million despite operational challenges including ageing laboratory equipment. Total revenue reached GH¢420 million, comprising GH¢278 million in internally generated funds, GH¢78 million in donor support, and GH¢63 million in government subsidies.
21 August 2026 · Joy Online →
Ghana, China explore AI healthcare innovation partnership
Ghana's Deputy Minister of Health called for stronger Ghana-China and West African cooperation to harness AI and medical technology to improve healthcare delivery at the 2026 China-West Africa Medical and Health Industry Expo in Accra. She emphasized that technology must be clinically validated, secure, affordable and support—not replace—health professionals' judgment.
21 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Thursday 20 August

ICT emerges as equalizer for Ghana's struggling SMEs sector
Ghana's SMEs account for approximately 60% of GDP and over 90% of all businesses, but face severe structural challenges including a $4.8 billion annual financing gap and limited market access. Information and Communication Technology is emerging as a potential solution to bridge these gaps and unlock entrepreneur potential.
20 August 2026 · Joy Online →

Wednesday 19 August

Woman arrested for selling unapproved fruit-ripening chemicals
A woman was arrested at Madina Market on August 19 for allegedly selling unapproved chemicals suspected of being used to accelerate the ripening of bananas and plantains. The arrest followed concerns raised by traders during an Assembly engagement on August 12, and authorities plan further monitoring and education efforts at the market.
19 August 2026 · Joy Online →
FDA's handling of chemical fruit-ripening abuse raises food safety concerns
An editorial critiques the Food and Drugs Authority's response to alleged misuse of chemicals—including acetylene and improper ethylene application—for fruit ripening in Ghana, questioning the adequacy of enforcement action after the Deputy Chief Executive could not immediately provide details of sanctions taken against identified offenders.
19 August 2026 · The Chronicle →

Monday 17 August

FDA warns traders against unauthorised plantain ripening chemicals
The Food and Drugs Authority has cautioned against the unauthorised use of chemicals to accelerate plantain ripening following an investigation into reports of Ethemax (a plant growth regulator) being used at Madina Market in Accra. The FDA warned that such practices could compromise food safety and leave harmful chemical residues, and has taken regulatory action against those involved in its unauthorised sale and use.
17 August 2026 · Joy Online →