Kumasi: Mr Nathaniel Nana Kwabena Nkrumah, the Ashanti Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to deepen institutional collaboration aimed at improving food safety and public health across the region. The visit also offered an opportunity for Mr Nkrumah to formally introduce himself to the Regional Minister following his assumption of office recently as the new Regional Head of the Authority.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Nkrumah was accompanied by senior officials of the Authority during the visit. Both parties engaged in discussions on strengthening joint efforts to ensure food safety, particularly as the Christmas season approaches. Dr Amoakohene warmly welcomed the FDA delegation and commended the Authority for its role in protecting public health. He assured the team of the full support of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) in executing their mandate, noting that effective regulation was essential for maintaining public confidence in the food and pharmaceutical sectors.
The Minister directed the Chief Director of the RCC to facilitate follow-up meetings to operationalise the agreed areas of collaboration. Mr Nkrumah highlighted the importance of strong institutional cooperation, citing recent joint operations that required FDA involvement. He explained that certain enforcement activities necessitate security backing, which could only be authorised by the Regional Security Council (REGSEC), chaired by the Regional Minister.
Mr. Nkrumah emphasised that issues related to public health, regulatory compliance, and enforcement were best addressed through coordinated action, making partnership with the RCC indispensable. He expressed confidence that the strengthened relationship between the FDA and the RCC would greatly enhance efforts to safeguard public health and ensure that food and drug standards were upheld across the Ashanti Region.