Ghana’s observance of World Food Safety Day 2025 became a rallying point for renewed investment in science and inter-agency collaboration as the country grapples with persistent food safety challenges. The event, themed “Food Safety: Science in Action”, brought together key voices from regulatory, academic, and policy circles who emphasized that scientific research must be at the core of every effort to protect the nation’s food supply.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Clifford Frimpong, Deputy Director-General in Charge of Conformity Assessment at the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), underscored the critical role of science in safeguarding public health and sustaining food trade. “Food safety is not a slogan — it’s a science-based practice,” he stressed, calling for united action across all stages of the food production chain to prevent microbial, chemical, and physical hazards.
Mr. Frimpong highlighted the GSA’s role in verifying food safety through microbiological and chemical testing and its collaboration with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and other agencies under the National Food Safety Policy framework. According to him, translating scientific data into enforceable standards is essential for both domestic health outcomes and Ghana’s ability to compete in international markets.
Adding to the conversation, Ms. Pokuaa Appiah-Kusi, Senior Scientific Officer and Deputy Codex Contact Point Manager, expressed concern over Ghana’s limited scientific data to contribute effectively to global food standards. She called on the government to invest heavily in scientific research to generate localized data that would strengthen food safety regulation and international competitiveness.
“International trade is based on trust,” Appiah-Kusi said. “And trust is built on science — knowing the residue levels, the contaminants, and accurate labeling. Without data, we fall behind.”
Dr. Jolene Nyako from the CSIR-Food Research Institute echoed this, advocating for more research rooted in indigenous knowledge and local food systems. She said that consumers are increasingly demanding traceability and transparency in food sourcing, adding that scientific innovation must include the voices of local producers and consumers.
Throughout the event, participants acknowledged Codex Alimentarius — a global food standards body — for setting benchmarks that balance food safety with fair trade. Ghana, as a member, is encouraged to match these international best practices through strategic science-based investments and policies.
As Ghana pushes for stronger food systems, the message from World Food Safety Day was clear: science must move from the lab into national policy. Without robust research, collaborative governance, and financial commitment, the country risks undermining public health, economic resilience, and consumer trust.
