On November 14, 2024, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of Ghana and the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (KMFDS) formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the International Coalition of Medicines Regulatory Authorities (ICMRA) Summit in Brazil. This agreement marks a significant milestone in the collaboration that initially began in October 2023, following a preliminary meeting facilitated by the Right Foundation.
The MOU establishes a cooperative framework between the two regulatory bodies, grounded in the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and reciprocity. Its primary objective is to enhance information exchange and strengthen collaboration in the regulation of food and medical products, including pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals (such as vaccines), and medical devices, with a particular focus on in vitro diagnostic devices.
The FDA Ghana delegation was led by Dr. Delese Darko, the Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Akua Amartey, the Deputy CEO of the Technical Operations Division. The KMFDS delegation was headed by Sang Bong Kim, Director General of the Pharmaceutical Safety Bureau, alongside Hyun Song, Deputy Director of the Pharmaceutical Policy Bureau, and Hyeji Kim, Deputy Director of the Global Policy and Strategy Bureau.
The MOU outlines several key areas of cooperation, including the sharing of regulatory frameworks, administrative procedures, and best practices. Collaborative activities will include joint training programs, capacity-building initiatives for regulators and industry stakeholders, and efforts to improve food safety, medical product quality control, clinical trials, and post-market surveillance.
The agreement is set to remain valid for five years, with an automatic renewal provision unless terminated by either party with six months’ written notice. This collaboration represents a strategic effort to improve the regulatory landscape for food and medical products, contributing to the safety and well-being of both nations’ populations.
