The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has raised concerns regarding the surge of counterfeit and inferior baby diapers entering Ghana, many of which have been discarded in their countries of origin due to safety issues.
The CPA states that inadequate enforcement of regulations is allowing dishonest importers to inundate local markets with these dangerous products, which pose significant health threats to infants.
This alert follows a recent operation by the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), which resulted in the seizure and incineration of over one million substandard diapers. This action was prompted by a rise in complaints from parents, especially mothers, regarding diaper-related rashes, infections, and discomfort.
During an appearance on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, May 28, Nana Prempeh Aduhene, Executive Director of Mediation and Arbitration at the CPA, disclosed alarming findings from their investigations.
“Our investigation indicates that some of these diapers are rejected in their countries of origin. During production, certain diapers are deemed unacceptable and discarded. However, due to greed, individuals retrieve them, package them into containers, transport them to Ghana, and then repackage them into plain poly bags for sale in the market,” he stated.
Aduhene clarified that the CPA informed the FDA upon receiving this information. The FDA had permitted importers to store these products in designated warehouses but later closed some facilities upon uncovering improper practices.
“We do not oppose the importation of diapers into the country, but they must undergo thorough testing confirmed by the FDA and the Ghana Standards Authority,” he emphasized.
“All these diapers we are discussing, the FDA informed us they were prohibited from entering the country, so we are astonished that they have made their way here,” he added.
Aduhene also pointed out that their investigations suggest China as the probable source of the rejected products.
