The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) of the Volta Region has confiscated a significant quantity of unregistered diapers at the Ho Market as part of its efforts to safeguard public health, particularly the well-being of children. The operation, conducted in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, is part of a broader initiative to eliminate unregistered and potentially harmful products from markets across the Volta and Oti Regions, as well as the entire country.
Mr. Gordon Akurugu, the Volta Regional Head of the FDA, disclosed to the Ghana News Agency that the seized diapers lacked proper registration and labelling, which raised serious concerns regarding their safety and quality. He described the sale of such products as a grave public health risk that cannot be tolerated.
The confiscated diapers, commonly referred to as "fosse diapers," are currently being detained as investigations are underway in collaboration with the police to trace their origin. Mr. Akurugu emphasized that without proper registration and oversight, the safety of these products cannot be guaranteed.
As a border region, Volta is particularly vulnerable to the influx of smuggled goods from neighbouring countries. Mr. Akurugu noted that this seizure is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing effort to ensure that only safe and quality products are available to consumers. He further speculated that the unregistered diapers could be store rejects or donated items being resold without any traceable source.
Mr. Akurugu urged mothers and the general public to purchase only registered diapers that display visible labels and FDA registration numbers, stressing the importance of protecting children’s health. "The life of a child is important to Ghana," he stated, underscoring the critical need for vigilance when purchasing such products.
Citing the Public Health Act 851, Mr. Akurugu explained that all imported products must be registered and regulated by the FDA to ensure their safety and compliance with national standards. He warned that unregistered products are illegal, and those involved in their distribution or sale would face strict legal consequences.
However, some affected traders expressed their dissatisfaction with the operation. Ms. Bintu Yakubu, one of the traders, criticized the approach taken by FDA officials, claiming they posed as customers before seizing the products. She admitted that she was unable to distinguish between registered and unregistered diapers.
Another trader, Ms. Linda Ofosuhene, questioned how unregistered goods managed to enter the country if they were deemed illegal. Similarly, a trader identified as Gloria noted that the unlabeled diapers were more popular among customers and expressed concern about potential financial losses resulting from the exercise.
The FDA has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public health and safety by removing unregistered and potentially harmful products from markets nationwide. Consumers are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or unregistered products to the relevant authorities.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
