Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, has pledged the Authority’s full commitment to collaborating with the Health Community of West Africa (HCOWA) Association in its agenda to register and regulate advanced medical equipment and products.
The assurance was given during a strategic high-level dialogue held on Thursday, April 10, 2025, following HCOWA’s formal invitation to partner with the Authority as part of its broader push to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern medical technologies into Ghana’s healthcare landscape.
Dr. Darko welcomed the HCOWA delegation warmly and expressed her utmost appreciation for the initiative. According to her, HCOWA’s focus on innovation, partnerships, and AI integration is exactly the type of strategic drive needed to propel Ghana’s health sector forward and promote economic growth.
“Intentions like that of HCOWA are not only commendable, they’re exactly what Ghana and the FDA need at this time. It’s about moving forward, embracing technology, and doing it the right way—with safety, standards, and sustainability,” she stated.
She emphasized that the FDA values this collaboration highly and is ready to provide every possible support to ensure HCOWA’s success, especially in upholding regulatory standards and ensuring best practices in AI deployment and medical product use.
Dr. Darko also added that while Ghana’s access to advanced medical equipment is important, it is equally necessary for HCOWA to always approach the FDA in advance. “We are always ready to push this drive forward with you,” she said, further revealing that the FDA looks forward to co-organizing the 2025 China-West Africa Medical and Health Expo and the AI Diagnosis Deployment and Project Cooperation Summit.
She assured HCOWA of the Authority’s readiness to register all AI medical devices, food supplements, cosmetic products, traditional medicine, and other relevant goods from China that will be introduced under HCOWA’s initiatives.
HCOWA Lays Out Strategic AI Healthcare Agenda
On the part of the HCOWA Association, President Madam Sihong Jiang presented a comprehensive roadmap for integrating artificial intelligence into Ghana’s health ecosystem. She indicated that HCOWA will be implementing several AI-powered solutions to modernize healthcare delivery, including:
- AI-Powered Medical Departments in health facilities
- AI-Powered Medical Imaging systems
- AI support for Traditional Medicine
- AI-Powered National Disease Control systems
- AI-enhanced Medical Supply Chain management
She emphasized that all these innovations will require close collaboration with the FDA, given the regulatory demands involved in deploying such technologies.
“Every process must have the FDA on board. Your involvement is critical in ensuring we meet every requirement to roll out these life-saving innovations safely,” Madam Jiang said.
She also noted that the 2025 Expo will attract over 100 companies from China, most of whom are ready to establish a long-term presence in Ghana.
“These companies are not just coming to exhibit; they’re coming to invest—many are looking to build factories right here in Ghana. We must fast-track registration and regulatory processes to give them the confidence to proceed,” she added.
Madam Jiang commended the FDA for being proactive and forward-thinking, stressing that HCOWA’s partnership with the Authority is a cornerstone in its ambition to lead medical innovation and industrialization in West Africa.
FDA Reiterates Support and Emphasizes Cybersecurity Oversight
Mr. Emmanuel Nkrumah, Director of Medical Devices, Cosmetics and Household Chemicals Directorate at the FDA, commended HCOWA for embracing AI in the healthcare space, describing it as a “necessary shift.”
He stressed, however, that as AI becomes integrated into medical equipment and systems, cybersecurity must be a priority.
“We are not just talking about hardware—we are talking about software that can diagnose, recommend, and even predict outcomes. These must be protected from cyber threats,” he said.
He added, “The FDA will support you with guidance on cybersecurity and ensure your systems align with global best practices.”
Mr. Nkrumah assured the HCOWA team that the Authority is ready to assist with fast-tracked processes, regulatory clarity, and continuous technical support.Delegations Present at the Dialogue
The HCOWA delegation included Madam Sihong Jiang, President; David Tai, Chief Director; Prince Dogbey, Vice President; Dr. George Henry Acquah, Director of AI and Digital Innovations; and Ms. Believe Domor, Secretary.
The FDA’s delegation was led by CEO Dr. Delese Mimi Darko, with all Heads of Department in attendance, signaling the Authority’s strong commitment to the partnership.
About the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA)
Established in 1997, the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) derives its mandate from Parts 6, 7, and 8 of the Public Health Act, 2012 (Act 851). The Authority is responsible for safeguarding public health through the regulation of food, drugs (herbal/allopathic/veterinary), cosmetics, medical devices, household chemical substances, tobacco products, blood and blood products, and clinical trials.
Some of the FDA’s key public initiatives include:
- The Progressive Licensing Scheme (PLS) to help small-scale food processors meet safety standards
- The Take Back Unwanted Medicines (TBUM) initiative for safe disposal of expired medications
- A Youth Drug Prevention program to curb substance abuse
- The Buy Ghana, Love Ghana campaign encouraging local product patronage
- Annual Blood Donation Drives as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The FDA’s work spans a wide range of critical functions including:
- Product registration and licensing
- Manufacturing and storage facility inspections
- Import/export permits
- Adverse product monitoring
- Consumer education and public awareness
- Regulation of clinical trials
- Surveillance at all ports of entry
Its regulatory and operational activities are carried out through technical divisions, regional offices, and specialized departments—ensuring the safety and integrity of all FDA-regulated products nationwide.
