The Minister for Public Enterprises, Joseph Cudjoe, is re-echoing the government's commitment to ensuring that regulatory institutions, including the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), are adequately resourced to carry out their mandate without any challenges.

He sees the operations of the Food and Drugs Authority as very critical as they work to ensure that the well-being of people is protected around the clock.

"If you critically examine and consider the work of the FDA, you will come to the realization that our very existence and well-being and its continuity rest and depend on how well the FDA is able to work to ensure food and medical safety.”

Speaking at the FDA Annual Stakeholders Meeting to review the Authority’s 2023 financial and operations performance, Joseph Cudjoe explained that more than eighty per cent (80%) of the diseases that affect and kill humans are food and drug-related therefore, the FDA's role is indispensable."

"We cannot afford not to eat or drink water, and we do these things every day. Somebody who sells food may be innocently, and sometimes with delight, through good customer service, selling you poison. The person may not know that the spices or other ingredients could be health-threatening and hence killing you."

"It will be virtually impossible for each of us to have personal laboratories or testing equipment in our homes, workplaces, or carry them along with us everywhere and be testing what we consume when we have to.”

“Therefore, imagine the scale of diseases and deaths were it not for the FDA and its regulatory activities, focusing on consumer protection. I know more needs to be done for FDA, but we applaud you thus far."

He insisted, 'We may see it as a food or health matter, but our very existence lies in your hands. So, your operation is critical for the country's functioning in every sector of the economy. It is only a healthy workforce that can accelerate development.”

He commended the FDA for its continuous sacrifices in the face of salary level constraints, staffing constraints, and its wish to extend the coverage of its operations to ensure maximum benefit to every corner of “this country to keep us safe."

Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, reiterated the Authority's solemn pledge to continue effectively carrying out its mandate to ensure the holistic well-being of the citizenry.

The annual stakeholder meeting was held to, among other reasons, update stakeholders on the FDA's regulatory activities and achievements in 2023.