FDA BONO REGIONAL OFFICE LAUNCHES ONE CONSUMER ONE OFFICER OPERATION

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) Bono Regional office launched its annual public education exercise dubbed "One Consumer One Officer" on the 25th of November 2020 at Goaso Open market, Ahafo Region.

The purpose of the exercise is to control and gradually eradicate the increased consumption of unwholesome and non-conforming food products released on to the market especially during the festive season. Also, it aims to strengthen as well as increase marketing surveillance and consumer education activities within the environs of Bono East and Ahafo Region.

In attendance were some representatives from the Goaso Municipal Environmental Health Department, Hair Dressers Association, Goaso Business Resource Centre, Media, Queen Mothers and some traders and buyers at the Goaso main market.

The Regional Head, Mrs Akua Amponsaa Owusu said though the Authority is mandated to ensure the quality, safety and efficacy of all its regulated products, the safety and protection of each individual is a collective responsibility between the FDA and the public.She noted that the exercise would enable the Authority identify unwholesome and non-conforming products on the market as well as address individuals involved in its sale.

Furthermore, she added that Traders, importers, distributors and handlers are cautioned to sell only FDA regulated products and by extension, wholesome products to avoid facing regulatory sanctions.

In the course of the launch, stakeholders raised concerns on self-acclaimed FDA officers who visit their premises and attempt to extort monies from any business operator available. In addressing their concerns, she advised stakeholders to always look out for the FDA Identification card and to report any of such instances to the police or confirm with the FDA through any of its available contacts. In addition, she emphasized that, all payments are to be made at the FDA offices, where a Government of Ghana receipt would be issued.

At the climax of the exercise, she added that it is expected that the public would be well informed on the activities of the FDA from how an individual can collaborate with the Authority to guarantee public health and safety to how one can contact the Authority using the different available channels.