Ghana’s Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has revised the law on commercials, requiring all advertisements for food, medicines and cosmetics to be approved by the authority before they are aired or published.

“A manufacturer or distributor, advertising agent and advertising media and/or organisation who advertises a food product without the prior approval of the Authority shall be in breach of these guidelines and shall be fined an administrative charge as specified in the fees and charges Amendment Instrument, 2013 (LI2206),” reads the relevant section of the amended legislation.

Chief Executive Officer of the FDA, Hudu Mogtari said the move is backed by the Public Health Act 2012, which mandates it to enforce the law in order to protect public health. The authority is currently touring the country to educate and engage the public about the revised laws on commercials.

The authority cautioned against spots that promise refunds, exaggerate product claims or mislead the public in any way. Further, commericials for medicines, cosmetics and household products must contain any necessary precautionary statements, such as ‘not to be taken by pregnant or lactating women’ or ‘must be kept out of reach from children’.