By
Kwamina Tandoh, GNA
Accra, Oct. 7, GNA – The Governing Board of
the FDA has expressed concern about the existence of illegal land routes
through which some unregulated products are brought into the country.
This call follows a tour to the Volta Region
by members of the Governing Board to familiarize themselves with activities at
the Aflao and Akanu borders as well as some of the unapproved routes of entry.
At the Aflao border, the members were welcomed
and given a briefing by Mr Nathan Tetteh Quaye Jnr, the Aflao sector Commander
of Customs Division of GRA.
The Commander highlighted on the illegal
activities going on and expressed concern of the inadequate human resource
capacity available.
He singled out smuggling as a major activity,
which must be guarded against.
Mr Tetteh Quaye praised the level of
inter-agency collaboration among NACOB, FDA, GSA, Ghana Immigration Service and
CEPS, which has led to the seizure of large quantities of products such as food
stuffs, medicines, cosmetics, clothes among others some of which were suspected
to be substandard or fake.
He called on the FDA to set up a laboratory at
the border to help test products entering so as to ensure protection of public
health and safety.
The Commander commended the police and navy
amongst others who have assisted in ensuring the minimization of smuggling
through the sea and river routes.
Continuing the tour, the Governing Board was
taken to some of the unapproved routes – Beat One, Beat 9 and Pillar 13.
After visiting the three unapproved routes and
informed of about 17 more of such routes, the Board said there is an urged need
for government to intervene to ensure either a complete closure of such routes
or strict monitoring.
The existence of such unmanned illegal routes
makes it easy for unregistered products to enter the country, putting the lives
of consumers at risk.
This calls for increased market surveillance
activities to ensure the protection of consumers.
GNA