FDB to ban drug peddlers on vehicles

Techiman (B/A), Nov. 6, GNA - The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) will soon come out with a new policy to sanction drivers who allow drug dealers to advertise their products on their vehicles.

Mr Peter Kwasi Agyeman-Duah, Area Manager of Food and Drugs Board for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, said the policy was aimed at eliminating the sale of non-recognized drugs and herbs to passengers. He was addressing a forum of Assembly Members, Heads of Departments, Boards and Corporations at Techiman.

The forum, organized by the Board, in collaboration with the Techiman District Assembly, brought together more than 100 participants. Mr Agyeman-Duah asked station officers of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and Progressive Transport Owners Association not to allow such chemical peddlers on board vehicles at the lorry terminals.

Passengers should also demand from the dealers the FDB's logos and numbers issued to them for the sale of their products.

Mr Agyeman-Duah said the Mampong-Akwapim Herbal Centre "does not license but only produces safe medicines that satisfy the requirements of the Board".

He added that about 22 companies that dealt in the production of pure water had so far been granted licences to operate and urged those operating without regulations to halt such operations or face prosecution.

The Area Manager called for the collaboration of the District Assemblies, Police, Ghana Tourist Board, Pharmacy Council and the Media to intensify educational programmes to halt the circulation of unwholesome foods and expired drugs.

He said a new office had been opened at Bolgatanga to cater for the three northern regions, whilst the Greater Accra office would take care of the southern sector.

Mr Edward Acheampong, Regulatory Officer of the FDB, urged environmental officers to be at the front line in ensuring that food and drugs displayed were of standards approved by the Board.