The Ghana Standards Authority, GSA, says it is collaborating with the Food and Drugs Authority, FDA, to ensure that all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) being produced on a large scale locally meets the set standards for use.
Some local companies have started producing about 3.6 million masks as government steps us efforts to encourage their use in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The companies include Dignity DTRT, Sleek Garments, Cadling Fashions and Alfie Designs Limited.
Speaking to Citi Business News, Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of the Ghana Standards Authority, Prof. Alex Dodoo, said the producers are expected to comply with the standards set by his outfit and the FDA, before releasing them for use.
He added that initial quantities should be made available by the end of this week.
“We consider them as medical devices so the Medical Device department of the Food and Drugs Authority, will work with the GSA to ensure that the standards are right and we are giving all our support, now that there is a publicly available standard for face masks and nose masks,” he said.
“Secondly, production has started and I am fully aware that the Food and Drugs Authority is going to approve every single batch before it is released because what they are saying is that these are medical devices, once people buy it, they must have some assurance of confidence that they are using the standards as provided by the GSA and in partnership we are hoping that the country will see the value in ensuring that what they use is safe,” he added.
He further stated that, “Homemade ones are different but commercially sold ones should be certified and the organization they should contact is the Food and Drugs Authority. The GSA has provided the standard and ensuring that whatever is being done is being done in the right way. I expect them to be on market because several have been produced and I know as at the weekend the Food and Drugs Authority was called to come and start the registration and approval process.”
Gov’t begins local production of PPE kits
While addressing the nation on Sunday, April 5th, 2020, President Akufo-Addo said the government has placed a high priority on the procurement of PPEs.
He said government will begin the local production of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a means to intensify measures aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Ghana.
This, he said, has become necessary because of the shortage of the already procured PPEs which are essential for the protection of frontline health workers risking their lives every day to battle the virus.