FDB to organise forum on ban of drug adverts

Kumasi, Sept.12, GNA - The Food and Drugs Board (FDB) will on Tuesday September 19, 2006, organise a public forum in Kumasi to discuss with and educate selected stakeholders on the ban on some drug advertisements on radio and television and the way forward after the ban. A statement signed by Mr Joseph Bennie, Zonal Manager for Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, and made available to the Ghana News Agency in Kumasi on Tuesday, said the forum, which would be held at the SSNIT conference hall at Adum would be attended by programmes and marketing managers of all media stations in the region as well as manufacturers, importers and distributors of drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and household chemicals in the region.

It said the Board had observed with grave concern the misleading nature of some advertisements, unsubstantiated and false claims being made through these advertisements, airing of unapproved adverts, advertising of products for the cure of diseases for which the law does not permit advertisement and the dangers these adverts posed to public health. The statement said Section 14 of the Food and Drugs Law of 1992, PNDCL 305B and its Amendment Act 1996 (ACT 523) mandated the FDB to regulate the advertisement of all foods, drugs, medical devices, cosmetics and household chemicals in Ghana with the view to protect public health and safety.

It said the forum, which would begin at 0900 hours would discuss the ban and other related issues with the stakeholders and try to come out with suggestion that would ensure strict compliance with the ban in order to protect public health and safety in the region. 12 Sept. 06