Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) recorded a GHS 70 million surplus in 2025. This figure represents a significant 51% increase from the GHS 46 million surplus achieved in 2024. The Authority achieved this financial milestone despite facing operational challenges.
These challenges included ageing laboratory equipment and the persistent circulation of illicit products. The FDA's total assets rose from GHS 296 million in 2024 to GHS 358 million in 2025. Concurrently, its liabilities decreased substantially from GHS 12 million to GHS 3.4 million, indicating stronger financial management.
This financial performance highlights the FDA's crucial role in Ghana's regulatory landscape. The Authority's ability to generate a surplus amid economic pressures demonstrates its growing financial independence. Internally generated funds accounted for 66% of its GHS 420 million total revenue. Donor support contributed 19%, and government subsidies made up 15% of the total revenue. This diversified funding structure is vital for a key public health institution.
Samuel Adom-Siaw, the FDA's Deputy Director of Finance, presented these figures. He shared the audited financial statements at the FDA's 2025 Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting in Accra. Mr. Adom-Siaw noted that expenditure increased only marginally from GHS 266 million to GHS 267 million. This occurred despite higher staff compensation and increased operational requirements. However, the FDA recorded a GHS 95 million shortfall against its projected GHS 374 million internally generated funds target. He attributed this shortfall largely to exchange-rate movements.
The FDA's financial health and operational efficiency have direct implications for public safety and trade. A well-resourced FDA can better protect consumers from substandard products. It also supports local manufacturing by ensuring product quality and compliance. The Authority plans to strengthen revenue mobilisation and control expenditure. It will also periodically review its fees in consultation with stakeholders. This proactive approach aims to sustain its financial stability.
Joseph Ofosu-Siaw, the FDA Quality Assurance Manager, detailed the Authority's regulatory activities. The FDA received 24,446 product applications in 2025. It processed 24,225 of these, resulting in 20,205 approvals. The Authority conducted 15,457 facility inspections. It also examined 47,189 consignments at the ports. Furthermore, it carried out 2,250 market surveillance exercises. These efforts led to the retrieval of 215,876 non-compliant products.
A significant development was the increase in locally manufactured products registered. In 2025, 62% of regulated products registered were local, up from 33% in 2024. This trend supports local industry growth and reduces reliance on imports. The Authority also trained 8,693 street food vendors. It issued 1,369 permits under its food safety programme. These initiatives enhance public health and safety across the country.
Despite these operational gains, ageing laboratory equipment remains a major concern. Some equipment is between eight and 20 years old. This makes it increasingly difficult to maintain, especially in laboratories operating around the clock. The need for updated equipment is critical for accurate testing and regulatory oversight. Investment in modern infrastructure will ensure the FDA maintains its high standards. This will further safeguard public health and consumer confidence in Ghana.