The Volta Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), has intensified its surveillance methods along the Ghana-Togo Border to clamp down on the influx of unwholesome food items and drugs into Ghana
This, according to the Regional Head of the FDA, Gordon Akurugu is being done in collaboration with border security agencies along the entry points.
Mr. Akurugu was speaking at the 4th National Food Hygiene, Safety and Sanitation Conference organized in Ho by the Ho Technical University. The two-day event was themed, “Food Borne illness in the Era of Sustainable Development Goals, the Implication on a Healthy Workforce”.
The Regional Head of the FDA, Gorden Akurugu said due to its proximity with the Republic of Togo, the Volta Region is vulnerable to the smuggling of unwholesome products which when not checked pose a lot of threat to the health of the citizenry.
He noted that the region has within the year recorded some cases of food poisoning, few of which resulted in loss of lives.
Mr. Akurugu said although people are now careful about the food and drugs they consume, there is the need for all stakeholders to support the FDA to promote food safety in the country.
Mr. Akurugu disclosed that his outfit in collaboration with border security agencies have intercepted a lot of unwholesome products from early this year, a lot of which have been disposed off and culprits prosecuted.
The Interim Vice Chancellor of Ho Technical University, Prof. Emmanuel Sakyi stated that the conference seeks to provide the platform for lecturers and students as well as other stakeholders to deliberate on issues concerning food safety and sanitation and to promote healthy lifestyles among Ghanaians.
He on behalf of the University pledged to organise more of such forums periodically to create the awareness in the country.
