The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has begun training herbal medicine manufacturers and practitioners in the Eastern Region on its new digital platform for product registration. This new system aims to improve product traceability, stop adulteration, and strengthen consumer protection across Ghana.
This initiative responds to growing concerns within Ghana’s expanding herbal medicine industry. Regulators worry about unregistered products, misleading claims, and the dangerous practice of mixing herbal preparations with modern orthodox medicines. These issues pose significant risks to public health.
This move is part of the broader effort by Ghanaian authorities to formalise and regulate various informal sectors. It mirrors previous national digitisation drives in public services and tax administration. The FDA’s push reflects a commitment to ensuring product safety and maintaining consumer trust, especially in a sector with high public engagement and health implications.
Ms Anita Owusu-Kuffour, the Eastern Regional Head of the FDA, confirmed the training's purpose. She stated, “The idea is basically to equip them with the law and with the current trends in Good Manufacturing Practices and the way forward in terms of our regulations.” She noted the training came after repeated compliance issues found during routine inspections of herbal medicine facilities.
The FDA will continue regular and unannounced inspections. Manufacturers found breaking rules could face warning letters, fines, or prosecution under the Public Health Act, depending on the offence. This strong enforcement indicates the FDA’s serious commitment to regulatory compliance.
A major focus of the training was product registration and labelling requirements. FDA officials identified these as common areas for application deficiencies. Mr David Arhin, a Principal Regulatory Officer, explained that participants learned about standards for product names, indications, dosage forms, and cautionary statements. The FDA will not approve labels or promotional materials that contain sexually explicit or culturally inappropriate images.
Mr Arhin also issued a stern warning against adulterating herbal products with pharmaceutical substances. He explained, “We do not allow any orthodox medicine at all; otherwise, it’s no more herbal.” He clarified that FDA laboratories can detect synthetic pharmaceutical ingredients in herbal formulations. This capability allows the FDA to identify non-compliant products.
The new G-FIRMS platform, the FDA’s digital regulatory system, formed a key part of the training. Mr Kingsley Nii Lamptey, another Principal Regulatory Officer, explained the shift from paper-based applications to a fully digital system. This change aims for greater efficiency, transparency, and accountability. He highlighted the user-friendly nature of the system, stating applicants can complete the process from home.
The digital platform removes the need for applicants to travel to FDA offices or rely on intermediaries. “You don’t need a ‘goro boy’ or a middle person to do this for you,” Mr Lamptey said. He added that the system transparently updates applicants on their application status in real-time. This reduces opportunities for corruption and speeds up the approval process.
Mr Stephen Ofosu, Manager of Rich Life Impact Assurance Herbal, described the training as timely. He highlighted the value for participants in understanding quality assurance and safe manufacturing practices. Mr Ofosu also reinforced the dangers of mixing herbal and orthodox medicines. He warned, “The combination of herbal medicine and orthodox medicine is very deadly.”
The FDA plans ongoing stakeholder education, inspections, and enforcement. This expanded use of digital regulatory systems will improve oversight of the herbal medicine sector. It will ensure that all products reaching consumers meet approved safety and quality standards. This will foster a safer market for herbal medicine consumers in Ghana.