The Food and Drugs Board Authority (FDA) has responded to JoyNews’ ‘The Returned Bribe’ documentary which alleges corruption and bribery at the Authority.

In a press statement signed by the Board Chairman of the FDA Dr Sammy Ohene, he said the Board has set up a committee which is investigating the matter in its entirety earnestly.  

The statement further explained that “This matter came to the notice of the CEO in April 2020. The CEO immediately reported the matter to National Security which has since been conducting its investigations.

"The CEO has reported the matter to the Board Chairman and the Administration is following its internal investigation and disciplinary processes.”

The Board has, therefore, urged the general public to allow the Board and the appropriate investigative bodies to complete their investigations.

“As a matured regulatory agency whose core value include transparency, fairness and integrity, the Authority reiterates its zero tolerance for bribery and corruption and reaffirms its commitment to protect the health and wellbeing of consumers,” the statement concluded.

Background

The CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the head of Legal Affairs are being investigated for allegedly taking bribe from the manufacturer of COA FS.

Professor Samuel Ato Duncan told investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni that the head of Legal Affairs, Cynthia Dapaah Ntow, demanded that he pays $100,000 so he will be given the green light to continue selling his product.

In a telephone conversation, Mrs Dapaah Ntow said she was taking the money on behalf of the Authority’s CEO, Delese Mimi Darko.

Meanwhile, the FDA has filed an injunction on the screening of the documentary on JoyNews.