The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in the Ashanti Region has cautioned that no product should be advertised without prior approval, urging the media to help enforce compliance.

At a media training workshop in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional Director, Nathaniel Nana Nkrumah, stressed that product registration must come before advertisement, with the FDA approving all wording and claims.

He cited Section 100(1) on food, Section 114(1) on cosmetics and household chemicals, and Section 148, which prohibits deceptive advertising under the Food and Drug Acts.

He warned that adverts must reflect the exact purpose for which a product was registered, cautioning against exaggerated claims, unfair comparisons, and “freestyle” promotions.

He added that FDA registration is valid for one to two years and is key to maintaining fairness in the market.

Nana Nkrumah reiterated that some products are banned from advertisement, including tobacco, infant formulas, prescription-only medicines for diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer, homoeopathic medicines, and products linked to male sexual enhancement.

He added that adverts must not target children, pregnant or lactating mothers, or promote treatment for diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, epilepsy and leprosy.

On alcohol, he clarified that no product has been approved as aphrodisiac, noting all are registered as beverages.

He warned against misleading “male vitality” claims and said adverts must not promote excessive drinking or link alcohol to success or sexual performance, must carry health warnings, and must not air between 6:00 am and 8:00 pm.

Touching on herbal medicines, the FDA said health professionals and celebrities are barred from endorsements. He added that no advert should claim 100% efficacy or no side effects, while promotions with gifts or refunds are not allowed.

All adverts must include safety warnings and encourage reporting side effects through the FDA Med Safety App.