AGI, FDA to discuss beverage advertisement guidelines amid industry concerns
AGI welcomes talks with FDA on proposed beverage ad regulations, as safety advocates urge consumers to verify product approvals.
GHANA – The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has expressed hope for a constructive outcome from its upcoming engagement with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) over new advertising guidelines for the beverage industry.
Speaking to Citi Business News ahead of the scheduled meeting, AGI Chief Executive Officer Seth Twum Akwaboah stated that the association supports efforts to protect consumers but also seeks to safeguard the interests of businesses that may be affected by the implementation of new regulatory measures.
“We’ve been invited by the FDA to discuss certain regulatory issues affecting the beverage industry. This isn’t our first engagement—they are in the process of introducing new regulations,” Akwaboah said.
He noted that the FDA had earlier shared draft regulations with AGI members and that the association provided feedback aimed at refining the proposed framework.
“We emphasized that our inputs were constructive and should be reflected in the revised document,” he said. However, AGI had not received the updated version of the guidelines at the time of the interview.
“We requested the revised version to allow us to prepare and make meaningful contributions. Unfortunately, we haven’t received it yet—possibly because it’s still being finalised. Nonetheless, the engagement is proceeding as scheduled,” he added.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Demiah, CEO of Demiah Natural Fruit Juice, has cautioned consumers to be vigilant when purchasing beverages, citing the proliferation of expired and unapproved products on the Ghanaian market.
He highlighted the importance of examining product packaging for a valid FDA registration number, expiry dates, source and manufacturer information, and signs of tampering.
“Don’t just consume any food or beverage without doing safety background checks,” he warned, adding that reports have surfaced of consumers experiencing health complications after consuming unapproved drinks.
Demiah urged Ghanaians to take personal responsibility for their health by being more conscious of product authenticity and safety, stressing that such diligence is essential for national health improvement.
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