The Western North Regional Food and Drug Authority, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, has arrested nine individuals at Sefwi-Bekwai Main Market engaged in the illegal sale of unregistered foreign and herbal medicines.
Albert Ankomah, the head of the Western North Regional Food and Drug Authority, shed light on the purpose and success of this mission.
According to him, the FDA branch of the Western North Region had been conducting a comprehensive market survey aimed at identifying individuals who were peddling unregistered drugs in the local market.
He said the operation exposed the distribution of unapproved products, including ‘ekikime’ and other substances deemed unfit for human consumption by the FDA.
In an interview, Ankomah took the opportunity to address the public, emphasising the importance of adhering to regulations in the pharmaceutical and herbal medicine sectors.
He stated, “We urge all individuals involved in the business of selling medicines, both pharmaceutical and herbal, to cease unregistered practices immediately.”
“To ensure the safety of our consumers, your products must be registered with the FDA, and for herbal medicines, a license must be obtained from the Traditional Medicine Practitioners Council (TMPC). Foreign drug vendors should also seek licensing from the Pharmacy Council.”
This operation reflects the ongoing commitment of Ghana’s regulatory bodies to safeguard public health by clamping down on the sale of unregulated and potentially harmful medicines.
The nine individuals arrested will face legal proceedings, and the authorities are intensifying their efforts to ensure that unregistered and unapproved drugs are removed from the market, ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.
