The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has taken bold steps to protect public health by refusing to certify unbranded diapers and sanitary pads entering the Ghanaian market.
These products, some of which are refurbished and re-bagged without indicating their country of origin, pose significant health risks to consumers.
The FDA's efforts, led by CEO Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, have been commendable, especially given her commitment to serving Ghana despite changes in government.
Dr. Darko's over 20 years of experience at the FDA, serving under both the NDC and NPP governments is a testament to her competence to public health. According to my investigation, Dr Darko has remained a hard stone to crack in respect of the criminal activities of some importers.
However, the FDA's work is being hindered by some interest groups, which are allegedly standing in the way of destroying these harmful products. Furthermore, my investigations have revealed that some of these products are usually seized by CEPS but then some elements within the establishment turn around to auction them back to the same importers, who according to investigations, are mainly people
Associated with the former NPP government put them back on the market, compromising public safety.
However, Dr Darko is hell-bent on destroying these uncertified sanitary pads.
In the public health interest, the companies involved in the importation of these products should be blacklisted forever to disable them from continuing to undermine the efforts of the FDA.
The FDA and government are urged to take decisive action against these rogue importers, who are putting profits over people's lives. It is a verifiable fact that, local manufacturers can supply the local market with quality diapers and sanitary pads and this makes it unnecessary to allow substandard imports.
There’s in no doubt that the FDA under Dr Delese Mimi Darko has prioritized the safety of Ghanaians and has ensured that these harmful products are frequently destroyed and will not relent in her efforts as the illegal imports keep resurfacing on our local market. The public is also encouraged to support the FDA's efforts and report any instances of these products being sold on the market.
