The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have harmonized their regulatory and certification activities, a move aimed at accelerating approval processes and reducing costs for local businesses and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Approved by both authorities’ boards, this initiative will simplify the path for local manufacturers, eliminating the need to undergo separate FDA and GSA processes.
Through data-sharing and streamlined testing and inspection procedures, the harmonization is expected to lower fees and expedite turnaround times, easing the regulatory journey for local enterprises. Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of the FDA, and Prof. Alexander Dodoo, Director-General of the GSA, emphasized that this initiative would greatly enhance the capacity of SMEs and local businesses, positioning them to better access the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The streamlined process saves SMEs time, resources, and effort, which ultimately lowers product costs for consumers,” said Dr. Mimi Darko, highlighting the positive impact on operational efficiency. She urged businesses to actively engage with the new system, adding, “As global markets increasingly embrace harmonization, supporting our businesses’ growth is essential to foster an environment where companies can thrive and deliver affordable products for all consumers.”
Prof. Dodoo shared his enthusiasm, noting that the integration creates a “one-stop-shop” for regulatory approvals and certification, eliminating redundancies and saving businesses time. “The simplification was only possible through digital tools, and we encourage everyone to embrace Ghana’s digitalization agenda,” he added. A detailed roadmap will guide the initiative, and a common digital platform will manage documentation.
The harmonization has garnered support from key industry players, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP). Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of AGI, commended the FDA and GSA’s leadership, urging local manufacturers to take advantage of the opportunity. “The AGI is committed to supporting local manufacturing, and any initiative that enhances the capacity of local industry is commendable,” he said.
One of the early beneficiaries, Benyima Farms—a local fruit producer—has already leveraged the harmonized system to expand operations in Ghana and enter the European market. Emmanuel Kafari, Manager of Certification and Export Administration at Benyima Farms, praised the initiative, stating it has strengthened their product credibility and quality assurance for exports.
The FDA-GSA harmonization is drawing interest from regulatory authorities across Africa, with countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria exploring similar frameworks. Ghana’s leadership in this area aligns with the African Union’s agenda for prosperity through intra-African trade under AfCFTA.
Dr. Darko and Prof. Dodoo expressed gratitude to their boards for their dedication and to the government for providing the necessary support to establish this enabling environment. “Together, this collaboration strengthens our industries and enhances the value we deliver to consumers,” they affirmed.
and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have harmonized their regulatory and certification activities, a move aimed at accelerating approval processes and reducing costs for local businesses and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).
Approved by both authorities’ boards, this initiative will simplify the path for local manufacturers, eliminating the need to undergo separate FDA and GSA processes.
Through data-sharing and streamlined testing and inspection procedures, the harmonization is expected to lower fees and expedite turnaround times, easing the regulatory journey for local enterprises.
Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of the FDA, and Prof. Alexander Dodoo, Director-General of the GSA, emphasized that this initiative would greatly enhance the capacity of SMEs and local businesses, positioning them to better access the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The streamlined process saves SMEs time, resources, and effort, which ultimately lowers product costs for consumers,” said Dr.
Mimi Darko, highlighting the positive impact on operational efficiency. She urged businesses to actively engage with the new system, adding, “As global markets increasingly embrace harmonization, supporting our businesses’ growth is essential to foster an environment where companies can thrive and deliver affordable products for all consumers.”
Prof. Dodoo shared his enthusiasm, noting that the integration creates a “one-stop-shop” for regulatory approvals and certification, eliminating redundancies and saving businesses time.
“The simplification was only possible through digital tools, and we encourage everyone to embrace Ghana’s digitalization agenda,” he added.
A detailed roadmap will guide the initiative, and a common digital platform will manage documentation.
The harmonization has garnered support from key industry players, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP).
Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of AGI, commended the FDA and GSA’s leadership, urging local manufacturers to take advantage of the opportunity.
“The AGI is committed to supporting local manufacturing, and any initiative that enhances the capacity of local industry is commendable,” he said.
One of the early beneficiaries, Benyima Farms—a local fruit producer—has already leveraged the harmonized system to expand operations in Ghana and enter the European market.
Emmanuel Kafari, Manager of Certification and Export Administration at Benyima Farms, praised the initiative, stating it has strengthened their product credibility and quality assurance for exports.
The FDA-GSA harmonization is drawing interest from regulatory authorities across Africa, with countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria exploring similar frameworks.
Ghana’s leadership in this area aligns with the African Union’s agenda for prosperity through intra-African trade under AfCFTA.
Dr. Darko and Prof. Dodoo expressed gratitude to their boards for their dedication and to the government for providing the necessary support to establish this enabling environment.
“Together, this collaboration strengthens our industries and enhances the value we deliver to consumers,” they affirmed.