The Upper West Regional office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has organized a session with radio station managers in the region to discuss the Authority's guidelines and the provisions of the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) concerning the advertisement of regulated products.
According to section 114 (1) of the Public Health Act, it is prohibited to advertise drugs, herbal medical products, cosmetics, medical devices, or household chemical substances to the public as treatments, preventives, or cures for diseases, disorders, or abnormal physical states without approval from the FDA. Additionally, subsection (2) specifies diseases, including hypertension, diabetes, and AIDS, among others, for which advertising such products is strictly prohibited.
The FDA's guidelines also dictate that advertisements for alcoholic beverages must be aired between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.
Mr. Kelvin Dafaari Sunkpal, the Acting Upper West Regional Head of the FDA, emphasized that radio stations must adhere to these regulations. He warned that any station found in violation would face legal consequences. He urged radio station managers to request FDA approval letters for any advertisements involving FDA-regulated products, including food, medicines, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages.
Mr. Sunkpal highlighted the importance of cooperation between radio stations and the FDA to ensure compliance with regulations. He expressed concern over instances of non-compliance in the region, emphasizing that it is illegal to display billboards advertising alcoholic beverages within 200 meters of secondary or basic schools.
He called on the media to assist the FDA in monitoring and reporting violations, particularly regarding the advertising of regulated products. Additionally, he urged collaboration between the media and the FDA to educate the public about the dangers of drug abuse.
Mr. Christopher Asiedu, the Acting Upper West Regional Manager of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, suggested that the FDA provide copies of the regulations and provisions of the Public Health Act to radio stations as reminders of their obligations. This collaboration aims to enhance awareness and compliance among radio stations regarding FDA advertising guidelines.