Delese Mimi Darko, Prof. Alexander Dodoo
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have harmonised their regulatory and certification activities to expedite approval processes for businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This initiative, approved by the boards of both authorities, aims to reduce the cost of regulatory approvals and product certifications while also providing significant time savings.
Local manufacturers will no longer have to navigate two separate processes to obtain regulatory approval from the FDA and certification from the GSA.
The harmonisation involves sharing data and clarifying testing and inspection procedures, leading to lower fees and faster turnaround times.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA, Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, and Director-General of the GSA, Prof. Alexander Dodoo, emphasised that this initiative will substantially cut costs and time for product registration and certification, thereby, enhancing the capacity of SMEs and local businesses to trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Darko emphasised that harmonisation will streamline processes, conserving time, effort, and resources for SMEs.
“As global markets increasingly embrace harmonisation, it’s imperative to support our businesses’ growth,” she stated. “Our goal is to empower industries and cultivate an environment where companies can thrive, leading to more affordable products that benefit all consumers.”
Prof. Dodoo expressed enthusiasm about the simplification of processes. He stated, “This one-stop-shop allows the two institutions to eliminate redundancy in securing necessary regulatory approvals and third-party certifications.”
A detailed roadmap will guide the harmonisation efforts. The two authorities will expand their enforcement activities by relying on shared data to ensure smooth implementation of the initiative.
A common platform will manage documentation for the harmonisation initiative.
The FDA-GSA harmonisation initiative has received positive feedback from industry players, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP).
CEO of the AGI, Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, praised the leadership of the FDA and GSA for their vision and courage in driving this process, urging local manufacturers to engage fully.
“The AGI is committed to local manufacturing, and any initiative that enhances the capacity of local industry is commendable,” he said.
Benyima Farms, a local fruit producer, is among the first companies to benefit from this initiative.
Manager of Certification and Export Administration at Benyima Farms, Emmanuel Kafari, lauded the initiative, stating that it serves as a strong confirmation of the quality and safety of their products, providing vital third-party assurance in their export operations.
The initiative has attracted the attention of national regulatory authorities and standards bodies across Africa, with countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria already exploring similar programmes.
The two agency heads extended gratitude to their boards for their steadfast commitment, which has been instrumental in advancing this initiative.
They also acknowledged the government’s invaluable support in creating an enabling environment, recognising that their facilitation has laid the foundation for success.
“Together, this collaboration strengthens our industries and enhances the value we deliver to consumers,” they affirmed.
A Daily Guide Report