Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, the Ranking Member of the Health Committee of Parliament and MP for Juaboso, has raised concerns about the lack of funds allocated to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA).
He has called on the government, particularly the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, to release funds immediately to enable the FDA to effectively carry out its functions.
Akandoh explained that the FDA plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of food products and drugs on the Ghanaian market.
Random checks and inspections are essential to ensure that these products meet safety standards and are safe for consumption. However, due to the lack of funds, these random checks are not being conducted as they should.
The MP disclosed that he conducted an investigation and discovered that the FDA is facing financial constraints, making it difficult for them to carry out this important exercise.
He emphasized that the FDA is the only agency with the necessary expertise to check the safety of food and drugs on the market.
In light of this, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh has urged the government to prioritize the release of funds to the FDA. He believes that ensuring the FDA’s financial stability will enable them to perform their critical functions in safeguarding the health and well-being of Ghanaians.