The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has seized several unregistered diaper brands during a swoop at the Ho Central Market in the Volta Region as part of efforts to rid the market of counterfeit and potentially harmful baby products.

The operation, carried out on Thursday, February 12, 2026, was led by the Volta Regional Director of the FDA, Gordon Akurugu, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.

According to a report by myjoyonline.com on February 12, 2026, the team, acting on a strategic enforcement plan, raided a number of shops in the Ho Market, to confiscate several unregistered diapers suspected to be counterfeit.

Among the brands seized were Santi, Amanda, Rouyay, Sael, 4ever Cotton, Maya, Smart, and Jasper New.

The products were found displayed on shelves without proper labelling and FDA registration details.

The confiscated items were transported to the FDA’s Regional Office for further investigation and possible prosecution.

FDA destroys substandard diapers in firm move to safeguard public health

Akurugu indicated that the affected traders would assist the police with investigations to trace the source of the products and identify the suppliers and manufacturers.

“It is important for us to establish where the products are coming from. Most of the diapers on the market are not labelled; therefore, the FDA cannot guarantee the safety and quality,” he stated.

He expressed concern that the products may have been smuggled into the country through unapproved routes along the Ghana-Togo border, describing it as porous and vulnerable to illegal importation.

Akurugu warned that individuals found violating the Public Health Act 2012 (Act 851) would face the appropriate legal sanctions.

“The law says that every imported product coming into the country has to be registered. The Public Health Act 851 mandates that imports and exports should be controlled by the FDA. We control imports to ensure that the product coming in is safe, efficacious and wholesome for use.

"And therefore, if it comes into the country and the FDA is not aware, we cannot guarantee its safety. So, if we see a product that is not registered on the market, it is against the law, and then you face the full rigours of the law,” he explained.

He further advised mothers and caregivers to remain vigilant when purchasing products for children by checking for proper labelling and FDA approval details to ensure the safety of their babies.

MRA/VPO

Cabinet instructs COCOBOD to begin repayment to all affected cocoa farmers