FDA, GSA launch harmonisation initiative to boost industry and SMEs
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have streamlined their regulatory and certification processes, aiming to ease business operations and cut approval times for local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This collaboration, a major move backed by both agencies’ boards, promises quicker, more affordable certifications and could be … The post FDA, GSA launch harmonisation initiative to boost industry and SMEs appeared first on Asaase Radio.
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) have streamlined their regulatory and certification processes, aiming to ease business operations and cut approval times for local manufacturers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This collaboration, a major move backed by both agencies’ boards, promises quicker, more affordable certifications and could be a game-changer for Ghanaian businesses in the regional trade market.
In the past, businesses faced the costly and time-consuming task of navigating separate approval channels for FDA regulation and GSA certification.
Now, through data sharing and unified testing procedures, the FDA-GSA partnership allows manufacturers to complete the necessary certifications in one integrated process, significantly reducing costs and delays.
Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, FDA’s chief executive officer, and Prof. Alexander Dodoo, GSA’s director general, both highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential.
Dr. Darko emphasised the efficiency gains for local producers, underscoring that harmonisation aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goals.
“Our goal is to empower industries and cultivate an environment where companies can thrive, leading to more affordable products that benefit all consumers,” she said. Dr. Darko urged the industry to seize this opportunity, saying,
“Let’s actively engage with this initiative and inspire our colleagues to champion its success.”
Prof. Dodoo praised the collaboration for reducing redundancy, emphasising that the digital tools behind this “one-stop-shop” system are crucial to Ghana’s digitalisation agenda.
“This one-stop-shop allows the two institutions to eliminate redundancy in securing necessary regulatory approvals and third-party certifications,” he noted.
“We aim to reduce the challenges enterprises face in obtaining the required certifications.”
A roadmap outlines the harmonisation strategy, and a common digital platform will now handle documentation, while expanded enforcement will keep the process smooth and reliable.
Feedback from industry leaders has been overwhelmingly positive. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), commended the FDA and GSA for their vision, urging local manufacturers to embrace the change:
“The AGI is committed to local manufacturing, and any initiative that enhances the capacity of local industry is commendable.”
Early adopters like Benyima Farms, a Ghanaian fruit exporter, are already benefiting from the streamlined system.
Emmanuel Kafari, Benyima’s Manager of Certification and Export Administration, noted that the harmonised approval process supports their expansion into European markets, providing third-party quality assurance crucial for exports.
The FDA-GSA partnership is also sparking interest across Africa, with countries like Rwanda, Kenya, and Nigeria exploring similar models.
Ghana’s pioneering role strengthens its standing in intra-African trade, supporting the African Union’s vision of a thriving, united continent.
The two agency leaders expressed gratitude for the support of their boards and the Ghanaian government in establishing an environment conducive to this partnership.
“This collaboration strengthens our industries and enhances the value we deliver to consumers,” they affirmed.
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The post FDA, GSA launch harmonisation initiative to boost industry and SMEs appeared first on Asaase Radio.
