Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John has pledged stronger government backing for the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to protect public health in the region, citing rising concerns over illicit drugs and unsafe food products.
“The work of the FDA is critical to ensuring that only safe, wholesome and quality-assured foods and drugs reach the public,” the Minister said when he hosted the Chief Executive Officer of the Authority, Prof. Kwabena Frimpong-Manso Opuni, at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council (NRCC) on Wednesday, January 21.
Hon. Adolf John said the NRCC was intensifying efforts to clamp down on illicit drug trafficking and the sale of unsafe food, including the formation of a regional task force working closely with security agencies. He praised the Regional Director of the FDA for what he described as “timely and proactive interventions” across markets in the region.
“The protection of public health remains a top priority for this administration,” the Minister stressed, reaffirming the NRCC’s commitment to supporting the FDA in the discharge of its mandate.
The visit by Prof. Opuni formed part of his official working tour of the Northern Region to engage FDA staff and stakeholders, assess operational challenges, and identify ways to strengthen service delivery and regulatory effectiveness.
Congratulating Hon. Adolf John on his appointment, the FDA CEO commended the NRCC for its sustained institutional support, noting that performance reports from the region showed “commendable progress” in fulfilling the Authority’s statutory responsibilities.
Prof. Opuni emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the FDA and the NRCC, arguing that strong inter-agency cooperation was essential to achieving government’s resetting agenda under President John Dramani Mahama.
“Strengthened collaboration is key to safeguarding public health and reinforcing regulatory oversight,” he said, adding that partnerships at the regional level were crucial to the FDA’s success.
The meeting marked the first official engagement between Prof. Opuni and the Northern Regional Minister since his appointment as FDA Chief Executive Officer.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
