The Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, has completed an extensive multi-regional working tour covering eight regions — Upper West, Upper East, North East, Northern, Eastern, Volta, Central, and Western — in a bold drive to strengthen regulatory presence, deepen inter-agency collaboration, and address staff welfare across the country.
The CEO was accompanied on the tour by Dr. George Sabblah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Technical Operations Division; Mr. Gayheart Mensah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Services Division; Mrs. Rhoda Appiah, Head of the Communications and Public Education Department; and Mr. George Keteku, Head of Estate.
Engaging the Northern Belt: Enforcement, Substance Abuse, and Border Security
In the Upper West Region, Prof. Opuni called on Hajia Fati Koray, Coordinating Director at the Regional Coordinating Council, who received the team on behalf of Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing. Discussions centred on measures to strengthen enforcement and ensure stricter prosecution of offenders linked to tramadol trafficking and substance abuse. The CEO also visited the regional office to interact with staff, commending them for their hard work and encouraging continued diligence in supporting the Authority’s activities.
In the Upper East Region, Prof. Opuni urged staff to uphold professionalism and provide efficient, client-oriented regulatory services. He emphasised that interactions with clients should be friendly while maintaining the highest standards, and encouraged staff to continue safeguarding public health and safety. He also paid a courtesy call on the Regional Minister, Mr. Donatus Akamugre, expressing appreciation for the Minister’s support in protecting health and safety within the region.
Visiting the North East Region, the CEO pledged support to Regional Head Mr. Jacob Amoako Mensah in acquiring the Authority’s designated land and providing logistics to facilitate operations at the Bunkprugu border post. Discussions with Regional Minister Mr. Ibrahim Tia reinforced the Minister’s commitment to FDA’s activities and the shared agenda of addressing substance abuse and related public health challenges.
In the Northern Region, Prof. Opuni paid a courtesy call on Regional Minister, Mr. Ali Adolf John, commending the Minister’s office for reinforcing inter-agency coordination in strengthening FDA’s regional operations. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting the FDA in promoting public health and safety, and highlighted the Regional Task Force’s partnership with security agencies to curb the influx of illicit drugs and unwholesome food products.
At the Northern Regional Office, the CEO met with staff to discuss operational challenges and strategies, noting that stronger institutional coordination is vital for advancing effective regulation. Regional Head, Mr. Zakaria Braimah, outlined the office’s achievements, ongoing initiatives, and recommendations to enhance its capacity.
Strengthening the Southern Regions: Volta, Eastern, Central, and Western
Continuing the tour through the southern regions, the CEO and his management team paid formal courtesy calls on the respective Regional Coordinating Councils in each area, engaging regional leadership on regulatory initiatives, operational challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
The team met with the Volta Regional Coordinating Council and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Central Regional Coordinating Council — where they were received by Regional Coordinating Director Mr. Sampson Amoako Kwarteng — and the Western Regional Coordinating Council, where they were received by Regional Coordinating Director Mrs. Raphael on behalf of the respective ministers.
During his visit to the Volta Region, Prof. Opuni’s first stop was the Aflao Border, where he was briefed on FDA’s regulatory functions at entry points. He commended staff for their dedication and assured them of the Authority’s commitment to providing the necessary support to enhance border operations, while urging professionalism and strong customer care throughout.
Key Announcements: Decentralisation, Digital Operations, and Staff Welfare
The tour was also the platform for a series of significant institutional announcements from the CEO.
30+ New District Offices: In a major development, Prof. Opuni announced that the FDA is set to open more than 30 district offices this year as part of a decentralisation agenda to bring regulatory services closer to the public and to clients of regulated products.
Digital Transition via GFirms: The CEO urged all staff to adopt the GFirms platform for FDA operations, emphasising that the system will streamline processes, reduce costs, and support the Authority’s transition towards greater financial self-sufficiency.
Annual Regional Heads Forum: Prof. Opuni announced plans to establish an Annual Regional Heads Forum to facilitate knowledge sharing on revenue generation strategies across regions — not as a competition, but as a collective growth initiative for the benefit of the entire organisation.
Staff Welfare Package: The CEO assured staff that a new welfare policy is being finalised and will soon be implemented. The package will include health insurance, off-campus allowance, and a provident fund, addressing the long-standing welfare needs of FDA employees.
A Consistent Message: Professionalism and Public Confidence
Throughout the tour, Prof. Opuni consistently emphasised the importance of timely communication and treating clients with dignity and respect, stressing that public confidence in the FDA depends on the professionalism of its workforce at every level. He noted that stronger institutional coordination — both within the FDA and with external stakeholders — is vital for advancing the government’s development agenda and ensuring effective regulation across Ghana.
