Ghana's Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) recorded a significant GHS 70 million financial surplus in 2025. This achievement represents a 51% increase from the GHS 46 million surplus reported in 2024. The Authority's financial health improved despite ongoing challenges with ageing laboratory equipment and the persistent issue of illicit products in the market.
The surplus was part of a robust financial performance, with total revenue reaching GHS 420 million in 202 year. Internally generated funds (IGF) formed the largest component, contributing GHS 278 million, or 66% of the total. Donor inflows added GHS 78 million, while government subsidies accounted for GHS 63 million. Total assets also grew from GHS 296 million to GHS 358 million, indicating stronger financial standing. Liabilities decreased substantially from GHS 12 million to GHS 3.4 million, further solidifying the FDA's balance sheet.
This financial performance positions the FDA as a key self-sustaining regulatory body within Ghana's economic framework. The Authority's ability to generate significant internal revenue reduces its reliance on direct government funding, aligning with broader public sector reforms aimed at fiscal prudence. The increase in IGF underscores the potential for public institutions to contribute to national revenue. However, a projected IGF of GHS 374 million fell short by GHS 95 million, largely due to exchange rate movements. This highlights the vulnerability of financial projections to macroeconomic factors like currency fluctuations.
Samuel Adom-Siaw, the FDA's Deputy Director of Finance, presented these figures at the 2025 FDA Annual Stakeholders’ Meeting in Accra. He emphasized the Authority's commitment to prudent expenditure management and improved revenue mobilization. The FDA plans to periodically review its fee structure in consultation with stakeholders to enhance its financial sustainability.
The FDA's operational activities also expanded significantly in 2025. The Authority processed 24,225 product applications, resulting in 20,205 approvals. Facility inspections reached 15,457, and 47,189 consignments were inspected at ports, a 21.7% increase over 2024. Market surveillance remained a top priority, with 2,250 exercises conducted and 24,755 retail outlets visited. These efforts led to the retrieval of 215,876 non-compliant products. The Authority also expanded its reach, operating in 11 of Ghana’s 16 regions and 11 of 32 border posts, with plans for nationwide expansion. The proportion of locally produced regulated products registered increased from 33% in 2024 to 62% in 2025, indicating a growing domestic industry.
Despite these successes, the FDA faces critical infrastructure challenges. Joseph Ofosu-Siaw, Quality Assurance Manager, noted that some laboratory equipment is between eight and 20 years old. This ageing infrastructure creates maintenance difficulties, especially for laboratories operating continuously. The FDA received 7,551 samples for testing, a 76% increase from 2024, but achieved only 77% testing coverage against an 85% target. This gap highlights the urgent need for modern equipment to strengthen testing capacity and ensure public safety. The Authority has appealed to stakeholders and development partners for support in acquiring new laboratory equipment.
Enforcement actions also saw an uptick, with the Legal Services Directorate issuing about 80 warnings and 233 administrative fines in 2025. These penalties addressed various regulatory breaches, including unapproved advertisements, sales of unregistered products, and illicit tobacco activities. Perpetual Vicentia Yankson, Director of Legal Services, reminded businesses about the strict requirements of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). This law governs product registration, advertising, inspections, and safe disposal of unwholesome products. The FDA's public education campaigns reached over 12 million people, focusing on tobacco use, drug safety, and food safety. The Authority plans to intensify intelligence-led enforcement and strengthen collaboration with the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to combat illicit imports and unregistered products. The 77% implementation of its current five-year strategic plan provides a strong foundation for future regulatory initiatives.