In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on the sidelines of a sensitization program held in Bolgatanga, in the Upper East Region, Mr. Jude Okai, a Communication Officer at the FDA, issued a caution.

This warning is part of the implementation of the "promoting quality medicines plus" project by the FDA. The project aims to raise public awareness about the presence of counterfeit and substandard medicines in the market and the associated risks of consuming such products.

Furthermore, the sensitization initiative aimed to introduce the public to a new tool known as "The Med Safety App," developed by the FDA.

This application serves a dual purpose, enabling the public to report adverse reactions to medicines directly to the FDA or healthcare professionals for prompt action. Additionally, the app provides users with detailed information about medications prescribed by their doctors before purchase.

Mr. Okai pointed out that many Ghanaians often neglect essential details on medication, such as expiry dates, certifications, and standards.

This negligence has led to the inadvertent purchase of counterfeit and substandard medicines, resulting in adverse health effects. He stressed the danger of consuming such falsified and substandard medicines, emphasizing that it could even be fatal.

He urged the public to report any adverse reactions to medicines to the FDA and healthcare providers for immediate assistance.

In a stern warning, Mr. Okai cautioned individuals involved in the distribution of counterfeit and substandard medicines to cease their activities. He also noted that the FDA would enhance its surveillance efforts to crackdown on such activities, with offenders facing legal consequences.

Ms. Linda Eyram Mensah, the Information Officer with the Communications Department of the FDA, emphasized the severe health consequences associated with the use of counterfeit medicines. She advised the public to purchase medicines only from certified sellers and opt for FDA-approved medications.

Mr. Abel Ndego, the Upper East Regional Principal Regulatory Officer of the FDA, provided insights into the FDA's extensive market surveillance efforts across all 15 Municipals and Districts in the region. Their goal is to ensure that counterfeit and substandard medicines are eradicated from the market. He noted that, with the support of security agencies, some offenders had already been arrested and prosecuted. He urged the public to share information voluntarily to assist the authorities in combating the peddling of counterfeit and substandard medicines.

Mr. Ndego also highlighted the challenges posed by the porous nature of the region's borders, which allowed unauthorized drugs to enter the country. He underscored the FDA's commitment to safeguarding the safety and health of the public.

“We have realised as a regulatory body that there has been an influx of substandard and falsified medications on the market, so there is the need for the public to look out for certain things to make sure that whatever medication they go to buy is safe for use.”

“Currently, we have officers stationed at the legitimate entry points of the borders to inspect every consignment coming into the country to ensure that any food and drug related products that are entering the country through our region meet the regulatory standards,” he said.