Two individuals were detained at Sefwi-Dwenase in the Wiawso Municipality for dealing in unregistered and fake items by the Western North Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in cooperation with the Police.
Albert Baiden and Benjamin Arthur are the suspects.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Mr. Albert Ankamah, Regional Director of the FDA, revealed that the first suspect, Benjamin Arthur, was detained for selling two herbal products—ABM Gone capsules and ABM Mr. Man capsules—that were not registered with the FDA and were instead sold under the names "Dr. cote D'voire" and "ABM Gone capsules."
The regional leader said, "Benjamin Arthur, who is the producer of ABM Gono and ABM Mr. Man capsules, led the team to the arrest of the second suspect Albert Baiden."
According to Mr. Ankamah, the Public Health 2012 (Act 851) gave the Food and Drugs Authority the authority to control foods, medications, cosmetics, blood products, tobacco, and tobacco products that are safe for consumption by the general public.
We will enforce the appropriate legislation and impose consequences on anybody who violates the law. We are on high alert to ensure that no fabricated, unregistered, misleading, and unwholesome products access the market in the recently created territory.
Mr. Ankomah issued a warning that the authority will shortly pursue legal action against advertisers, including radio stations and neighborhood information hubs, who made use of their platforms to promote unregistered and fabricated goods in the Region.
He made it clear that both the manufacturer and the retailer of an unregistered product were responsible, and he urged the public to purchase medications, especially herbal medicines, only from authorized retailers.
He threatened, "The law will deal with you if radio stations and local information centers don't constantly acquire FDA licensing certificates from advertising before airing their items.