Beginning October 2020, the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) will implement a harmonization of their regulatory activities to address overlaps in their work. This significant collaboration is expected to reduce costs and improve efficiency for importers and manufacturers in Ghana.
The harmonization effort will streamline the product certification and regulatory approval processes, which often required businesses to engage separately with both agencies. According to Prof. Alexander Dodoo, Director General of the GSA, and Mrs. Delese Mimi Darko, CEO of the FDA, this initiative will ensure that local producers no longer need to undergo two distinct procedures to gain regulatory approval and certification from the respective agencies.
Benefits for Industry
The joint effort will ease the financial burden on local manufacturers and importers, eliminating the need for dual registration processes that increased both time and cost. “By sharing data and clarifying test and inspection procedures, industry should expect lower overall charges and faster turnaround times,” Prof. Dodoo and Mrs. Darko said in a joint interview.
Previously, there was duplication in the certification of FDA-regulated products by the GSA, which led to complaints from industry players about the inefficiency and added expense. Now, with harmonized operations, businesses can expect more streamlined processes, a reduction in costs, and quicker product registration times.
A Common Platform for Regulatory Efficiency
As part of the harmonization plan, the GSA and FDA are developing a common platform, akin to the Single Window system, for documentation submission. This platform will allow both agencies to share enforcement data, further enhancing their operational efficiency. The agencies will also work together to ensure that local manufacturers who meet both the FDA and GSA requirements are better positioned to take advantage of export opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
Benefits for Consumers
Consumers are also set to benefit from this harmonization. As Mrs. Darko pointed out, the high cost of product certification and registration is often passed on to consumers. The streamlined process will lower these costs, ultimately reducing the price burden on consumers.
Industry Reactions
The initiative has been welcomed by industry leaders. The CEO of the Private Enterprises Federation (PEF), Nana Osei Bonsu, hailed the move as a step toward efficiency, allowing businesses to save both time and money. Mr. Seth Twum-Akwaboah, CEO of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), also lauded the decision, noting that it will help eliminate the need for companies to seek approvals from two separate entities, thereby cutting down on duplicate costs.
Conclusion
This collaboration between the GSA and FDA marks a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to create a more efficient regulatory environment. By eliminating overlaps, reducing costs, and improving turnaround times, local manufacturers and importers stand to gain significantly, enhancing their competitiveness both locally and globally.
For more information on how this harmonization will affect your business or products, stay connected with ACAD-GH and the relevant regulatory agencies.
