The Upper East Regional Office of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has issued a strong warning to sachet water producers operating under unsanitary and substandard conditions, signaling a renewed commitment to protecting public health.
In a firm address to producers at a sensitisation workshop in Bolgatanga, Acting Regional Head of the FDA, Mr. Abel Ndego, described 2025 as a decisive “year of action” for the Authority. He stressed that sachet water producers must adhere strictly to hygiene and safety regulations or face sanctions including fines, closure of facilities, and prosecution.
“We will not allow anyone to make money at the expense of public safety,” Mr. Ndego said, adding that the FDA is prepared to escalate enforcement against non-compliant producers.
The workshop aimed to educate producers on best practices, emphasizing international standards and regulatory expectations. Mr. Ndego highlighted the agency’s findings from recent inspections, which revealed that poor sanitation, ineffective cleaning regimes, and malfunctioning sterilisation equipment—particularly ultraviolet (UV) lights—remain widespread issues in the region’s sachet water industry.
He explained the critical role of UV sterilisation in ensuring water safety: “Filtration removes particles, but only UV radiation can kill bacteria and other pathogens. Without it, you are distributing water that could make people seriously ill.”
Already in 2025, the FDA has imposed fines on six sachet water companies and shut down two for violating safety standards. According to Mr. Ndego, more enforcement actions are expected as the Authority intensifies its oversight.
He concluded with a sobering reminder: “Water is life. If you’re in the business of producing drinking water, you literally hold people’s lives in your hands. You must treat that responsibility with the utmost seriousness.”
The FDA pledged to equip producers with clear regulatory guidelines and intensified support to help them meet safety and quality standards.
