By Yussif Ibrahim
Kumasi, March 27, GNA – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned media platforms against promoting alcoholic beverages as sexual enhancers, stressing that no such product is registered in Ghana for that purpose.
Mr Prince Opoku Adutwum, Head of Enforcement at the FDA Ashanti Regional Office, said all alcoholic drinks approved by the Authority are classified strictly as food and not as aphrodisiacs or medicines.
“Any advertisement suggesting that an alcoholic beverage can enhance sexual performance is misleading and unlawful,” he stated during a training session for morning show hosts in Kumasi.
He explained that under the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851), particularly Sections 114(1) and 148, all products must be registered and cleared by the FDA before they can be advertised.
Mr Adutwum noted that regulation of advertisements was necessary to ensure responsible promotion, prevent false therapeutic claims, and protect vulnerable groups such as children and pregnant women.
He added that the Authority’s vetting process also helped curb misinformation, unsafe product use, and deceptive marketing practices, including exaggerated claims and unfair comparisons.
“All advertisements must be truthful, accurate, safe, and compliant with the law,” he emphasised.
Ms Zeinab Serwaah Acheampong, in charge of Product Registration, outlined the requirements for advertisement approval, indicating that the process typically takes 21 working days, with an express option available within five days.
She said approval could be granted for one or two years and warned that no product should be advertised across any media platform, including radio, television, print, and online, without FDA approval.
She further highlighted that the advertisement of tobacco products, infant formula, and products claiming to boost male vitality was strictly prohibited in Ghana.
Dr Abigail Arthur, Head of the Drugs Unit, cautioned advertisers against using endorsements from health professionals, scientists, or well-known personalities to promote medicinal products.
She added that advertisements must strictly align with approved product labels and must not include inducements such as gifts, refunds, or price-based promotions.
Mr Daniel Yaw Geraldo, Public Relations Officer of the FDA in the region, underscored the importance of collaboration with the media in safeguarding public health.
He expressed optimism that the engagement would help reduce the growing trend of unapproved and misleading advertisements, particularly on radio morning shows.
The training formed part of the FDA’s efforts to strengthen compliance and promote responsible advertising practices in the interest of public safety.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/ Audrey Dekalu