The Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy has bemoaned attempts to tarnish the reputation of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mrs. Delese Mimi Darko.
It follows an investigative piece published by freelance journalist, Manasseh Azure who levelled bribery allegations against a top non-scientific official at the FDA.
In a statement, the Chamber, however, raised concerns over what it says were misleading headlines which did not only tarnish the image of the CEO but also damaged the hard-earned reputation of the Authority maintaining the role of the CEO as the one who reported the allegation to the security apparatus for investigation and necessary action.
“The Chamber, therefore, finds it unfortunate that coverage in both mainstream media and social media seems designed to embarrass her and the FDA by seeking to implicate her in these unfortunate happenings even as the original story did not mention her in any way”, the release said.
It reiterated the core aspects of FDA’s daily operations which prioritize openness, transparency, integrity and due process.
The Pharmacy Chamber singled out the FDA CEO whose over 25 years in Service has raised the Authority to its current state thereby questioning her alleged involvement in any wrongdoing.
“Ghana FDA has by dint of hard work, secured an enviable position in West Africa and Africa. In West Africa, the Ghana FDA is the lead medicines regulatory authority for all harmonisation activities. The FDA CEO is a career regulator who has worked in FDA over the past 25 years helping lift it from its humble beginnings to its current enviable state. Her good work for Ghana has led to her serving on prominent projects and committees in Africa and the world. Currently, she is the Chair of the Steering Committee of the African Vaccines Regulators Forum (AVAREF) that is playing a critical role in ensuring the availability of safe Vaccines to Africa including COVID-19 vaccines.”
Meanwhile, the Chamber is hopeful ongoing probe into the allegations will be finalized for the sanctioning of punitive measures if any.
“It is the wish of the Ghana National Chamber of Pharmacy that ongoing investigations by the national security apparatus as well as the internal disciplinary procedures will be concluded and the findings quickly made public so that Ghana can continue to enjoy the pride of place in its quest to become the pharmaceutical hub of Africa”, the statement added.
. Source:Fiilafmonline/CitiNews
