The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) recently seized over GH850,000 worth of unregistered and unwholesome medicines in Kumasi’s Central Business District during an operation. The crackdown targets the sale of illegal pharmaceutical products within the retail market. Notably, the Kejetia Market in Kumasi has gained notoriety as a hub for these unauthorized herbal products and unregistered medicines.
The confiscated items encompass aphrodisiacs, body enhancement products, unregistered herbal medicines, orthodox pain relievers, and cosmetics. The FDA conducts periodic market surveillance to curb the activities of unlicensed drug peddlers.
John Laryea Odae-Tettey, the Ashanti Regional Manager for FDA, emphasized the importance of product registration and urged manufacturers and importers to collaborate with the FDA to ensure their products are safe for the Ghanaian market. The illegal marketing of unwholesome medicines is also prevalent on social media, prompting the FDA’s intention to eliminate such advertisements and sales online.
Odae-Tettey stressed the authority’s commitment to enforcing punitive measures against those involved in illegal businesses, including prosecution and fines. The FDA aims to engage with consumers to discourage them from patronizing unlicensed drug peddlers.
This ongoing operation in the Ashanti region is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Food and Drugs Authority in safeguarding public health. Earlier this year, in April, they seized body enhancers and aphrodisiacs worth GHS70,000 in Kumasi at the Alaba Market. As the FDA continues its efforts to clamp down on the sale of unregistered medical products, there is hope that these actions will help put an end to the circulation of such dangerous and unregulated goods, ensuring the safety of consumers and the integrity of the pharmaceutical market.
Source: MyJoyOnline