The European Union (EU) Ambassador, has handed over a refurbished physiochemical Laboratory to the Food and Drugs Authority in Accra.

The renovation of the laboratory and the provision of the state-of-the-art equipment was done with funding support from the EU under the Trade Related Assistance and Quality Enabling Programme (TRAQUE).

It is to help improve the capacity of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to test the quality and to verify the compliance of food products produced in Ghana and commercialised on the local market.

It would also test food products imported into the country from abroad in line with standards developed by the Ghana Standards Authority.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, The EU Ambassador Mr William Hanna said food quality and adherence to standards are key to food production in Ghana.

He said Ghana has huge potential for food production adding that the EU’s support for the next three years would focus on enhancing agriculture production.

"This support is one part of a bigger picture where the European Union assists Ghana in preparing the country to get the most from the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement," Mr Hanna said.

The support to the FDA is part of a bigger funding provided by the TRAQUE Programme to improve Ghana’s trade and balance position through quality exports, market monitoring and surveillance of imported products

The laboratory equipment provided, include basic laboratory equipment, chromatography and mass measurement.

The TRAQUE Programme is funded by the EU with a grant of 15 million Euro during the period 2011 to 2017 to support the Ministry of Trade in private sector development as well as review Ghana’s Quality Policy to enable Ghana attain a National Quality Infrastructure which functions efficiently in-line with international best practice.

Mr Huudu Mogtari, Chief Executive Officer FDA, said the EU had helped to provide training for staff to make the organization more productive.

The TRAQUE programme is an initiative of the EU, to support the Ministry of Trade and Industry, in trade facilitation and capacity-building, with special attention to Private Sector Development, Economic Partnership Agreement and Support to the National Quality Institutions.