The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has sanctioned at least 148 manufacturing companies nationwide for promoting unapproved products from January to the present.

FDA's Head of Investigations, Matthew Nkum, revealed that these companies face administrative fines of GH¢25,000 each, with amounts potentially increasing based on the frequency of the violation.

In an interview with the Ghanaian Times on Friday, Nkum noted that some companies, including those producing cosmetics, herbal drugs, and media houses, have begun paying their fines. The FDA’s legal team is actively pursuing legal action against non-compliant companies.

Additionally, another 48 entities, including three individuals, have been warned for similar infractions.

Nkum emphasized that unapproved advertisements threaten public health and clarified that registering a product with the FDA does not automatically permit its advertisement.

“After a product is regis­tered, an application or script must be submitted to the FDA for review by a committee, which typically takes a few days before approval for advertise­ment,”Mr Nkum explained.

He said “the process for ad­vertisement is straight forward, with a fee of GH¢600.”

To tackle the issue, Mr. Nkum stated that the FDA has ramped up its public awareness campaigns regarding the necessity of having products approved before they are advertised.

He urged media outlets to secure approval letters from the FDA prior to advertising any products.

Mr. Nkum reassured the public of the FDA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring safety and emphasized the need for public cooperation, advising that “consumers should always use prescribed medications and verify that products are approved before use.”

Regarding a separate matter, Amenya initially agreed to refund the money after Ms. Bukaria expressed her disinterest in the equipment. However, Amenya later informed the complainant of available tractors for auction, which Ms. Bukaria was interested in.

The court was informed that Amenya refunded GH¢23,000.00 into the MOFA/MOF ESCROW account at Ghana Commercial Bank.

Subsequently, Amenya requested foodstuffs from Ms. Bukaria to cover the remaining balance of GH¢56,000.00. Ms. Bukaria provided foodstuffs worth GH¢32,300.00 and an additional GH¢23,510.00, and also transferred GH¢1,500.00 in cash for the tractors. Despite these payments, Amenya did not fulfill his promise.