FDA, GSA starts harmonisation scheme to boost industry, SMEs

The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have harmonised their regulatory and certification activities to expedite approval processes for businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This initiative, approved by the Boards of both authorities, aims to reduce the cost of regulatory approvals and product certifications while also providing significant time savings.

Efficiency and cost reduction for manufacturers

Local manufacturers will no longer have to navigate two separate processes to obtain regulatory approval from the FDA and certification from the GSA. The harmonization involves sharing data and clarifying testing and inspection procedures, leading to lower fees and faster turnaround times.

Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, and Prof. Alexander Dodoo, Director-General of the GSA, emphasised that this initiative will substantially cut costs and time for product registration and certification, thereby enhancing the capacity of SMEs and local businesses to trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr. Darko  emphasised that harmonization will streamline processes, conserving time, effort, and resources for SMEs. This initiative encourages local industries to capitalize on its benefits, enhancing operational efficiencies that ultimately reduce product costs for consumers.

“As global markets increasingly embrace harmonization, it’s imperative to support our businesses’ growth,” she stated.

“Our goal is to empower industries and cultivate an environment where companies can thrive, leading to more affordable products that benefit all consumers. Let’s actively engage with this initiative and inspire our colleagues to champion its success,” she urged.

Prof. Dodoo expressed enthusiasm about the simplification of processes. He stated “The purpose of this effort is to streamline processes for businesses, saving time. This one-stop-shop allows the two institutions to eliminate redundancy in securing necessary regulatory approvals and third-party certifications. We aim to reduce the challenges enterprises face in obtaining the required certifications,” He emphasised that this advancement would not have been possible without digital tools and urged everyone to embrace Ghana’s digitalization agenda.

A detailed road-map will guide the harmonization efforts. The two Authorities will expand their enforcement activities by relying on shared data to ensure smooth implementation of the initiative .  A common platform will manage documentation for the harmonization initiative.

The FDA-GSA harmonization initiative has received positive feedback from industry players, including the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and the National Association of Sachet and Packaged Water Producers (NASPAWAP).

Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of the AGI, praised the leadership of the FDA and GSA for their vision and courage in driving this process, urging local manufacturers to engage fully. “The AGI is committed to local manufacturing, and any initiative that enhances the capacity of local industry is commendable.”

Benyima Farms, a local fruit producer, is among the first companies to benefit from this initiative. The company has expressed delight at how the initiative has enabled it to expand operations in Ghana and penetrate the European market. Mr. Emmanuel Kafari, Manager of Certification and Export Administration at Benyima Farms, lauded the initiative, stating that it serves as a strong confirmation of the quality and safety of their products, providing vital third-party assurance in their export operations.

The initiative has attracted the attention of national regulatory authorities and standards bodies across Africa, with countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria already exploring similar programs. This underscores Ghana’s leadership in promoting intra-African trade as part of the AfCFTA and aligns with the African Union’s agenda to create a prosperous and wealthy Africa.

The two Agency Heads extend gratitude to their Boards for their steadfast commitment, which has been instrumental in advancing this initiative. They also acknowledged the Government’s invaluable support in creating an enabling environment, recognising that their facilitation has laid the foundation for success.

“Together, this collaboration strengthens our industries and enhances the value we deliver to consumers” they affirmed.

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