As part of its renewed focus on digitalisation and regulatory efficiency, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has introduced the Ghana Electronic Integrated Regulatory System (G-FIRMS), a comprehensive online platform designed to streamline applications, fast-track approvals, and enhance transparency.
The Chief Executive Officer, Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, announced this at the Authority’s 2024 Annual Stakeholder Meeting in Accra, held under the theme: “Improving Productivity and Efficiency Through Digitalization and Staff Commitment.”
With the rollout of G-FIRMS, applicants can now submit documentation remotely and monitor the progress of their applications in real time. This reinforces the Authority’s commitment to institutionalising the 24-hour digital service delivery. The FDA also outlined a bold vision to reform public health regulation in Ghana while strengthening its responsiveness as a customer-centric institution.
Beyond digital reforms, the Authority highlighted several key regulatory initiatives, including the introduction of a Vaccine Lot Release Programme under the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), revised advertisement guidelines for regulated products, and the ongoing continued implementation of the Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS) and the Take Back Unwanted Medicines (TBUM) initiative. These measures are aimed at strengthening vaccine regulation, safeguarding consumers from deceptive advertisement promotions, and improving compliance across regulated sectors.
Additionally, the FDA also reiterated its commitment to food safety and market surveillance. Thousands of street food vendors have been trained under its food hygiene permit programme. Furthermore, the FDA has strengthened collaboration with border agencies is helping to curb the influx of unapproved imported products into the country.
Speaking at the event, the Director of the Public Enterprise Secretariat, Ms. Lovia Bamfo, emphasised that the Food and Drugs Authority’s (FDA) vital role in protecting public health is not only a regulatory mandate but a bedrock of Ghana’s national development.
Ms. Bamfo applauded the Authority for its unwavering resolve in safeguarding the health and safety of the Ghanaian populace hailing the institution as a firm overseer of public health.
“The prosperity we seek as a nation is directly linked to the health of our citizenry,” she said. Furthermore, “The FDA’s work touches every aspect of our lives, from the food on our tables to the medicines we take and even the cosmetics we use daily,” she noted.
She underscored the Authority’s achievement of WHO Maturity Level 3 (ML3) status as a major landmark. In addition, Ms. Bamfo commended the Authority’s responsibility to transparency and collaboration with regulatory partners, civil society and other international partners demonstrates a continuous model of public service.
Various stakeholders present at the meeting includes representatives of the State Interest and Governance Authority, Ministry of Health, World Health Organisation, Customs Division of Ghana Revenue Authority, Worldwide Health Limited, Food and Beverages Association of Ghana, Ghana Union of Queen mothers, World Food Programme, Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana, Ghana Police, Media etc.
The meeting ended with stakeholders pledging to enhance collaboration, reinforce compliance, and establish Ghana’s regulatory system as a benchmark for the African continent.
