Stories and facts

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), formerly known as the Food and Drugs Board, stands as a crucial Ghanaian government agency tasked with overseeing the inspection, certification, and proper distribution of foods, food products, and drugs across Ghana. Established under the Food and Drugs Law of 1992 (PNDC Law 305B), the FDA plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health by ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of a wide range of products, including human and veterinary drugs, food items, biological products, cosmetics, medical devices, and household goods.

Currently led by CEO Delese A. A. Darko, the FDA has garnered international recognition for its commitment to regulatory excellence. In May 2020, the World Health Organization acknowledged the FDA's standards by listing it as a Level Three institution, a significant achievement highlighting the agency's dedication to upholding global health standards.

In its history, the FDA has actively promoted initiatives such as the "Fight the Fakes" campaign, aimed at educating Ghanaians about the risks associated with substandard and falsified medicines. This campaign underscores the FDA's mission to combat the proliferation of counterfeit products that pose serious health threats.

Moreover, the FDA made headlines in 2023 when it became the first country to approve a groundbreaking malaria vaccine developed by researchers at the University of Oxford. This milestone not only showcases Ghana's leadership in public health but also underscores the FDA's role in advancing innovative solutions to combat prevalent health challenges.

Through its regulatory efforts, campaigns, and groundbreaking approvals, Ghana's FDA remains at the forefront of ensuring consumer safety, product quality, and the overall well-being of the Ghanaian population. The agency's dedication to excellence underscores its pivotal role in shaping health policy and promoting public health initiatives nationwide.