Gov't Supports Regional Efforts for Safer Food at CCAFRICA Meeting - International Edition (English)
At a crucial regional gathering of the FAO/WHO Coordinating Committee for Africa (CCAFRICA25) in Kampala, Uganda, Ghana reiterated its dedication to enhancing food safety frameworks and bolstering trade regulations.
The week-long gathering attracted representatives from 24 African nations, along with monitors from eight organizations and four non-African member states, all converging on a common objective: enhancing Africa’s food safety regulations consistent with their developmental aspirations.
Regina Vowotor, Samuel Tetteh Sakitey, and Doreen Gyau Koranteng represented Ghana as part of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) delegation, actively participating in the talks.
Their participation highlighted Ghana’s attempts to synchronize local food regulations with global Codex Alimentarius standards and tackle escalating issues in food safety.
“Safety is key here,” stated Mrs. Vowotor during an interview at the side of the meeting. “We must ensure that the food reaching our families’ tables is secure — every step of the way from the field to their plates.”
The key choices made during the meeting encompassed the creation of fresh regional guidelines for indigenous African dishes like Kethiakh (braised dried fish) and Tiacry (pre-cooked cereal granules). Additionally, there was an increased focus on enhancing capabilities via the Codex Trust Fund.
The participants also tackled pressing matters such as antimicrobial resistance, pesticide residues, and food fraud—issues that Ghana is currently dealing with at home.
At CCAFRAICA25, there was a significant instance of introspection and acknowledgement. Awards were presented to Ghana on behalf of two previous coordinators, Dr. Robert Oteng and Prof. Samuel Sefa-Dedeh, in honor of their efforts towards Codex activities in Africa. This tribute highlighted Ghana's continuous role as a leader in managing food safety regulations.
A significant advancement occurred when Gambia was chosen to head CCAFRICA from 2026 to 2027—this shift is viewed as crucial for sustaining progress throughout the region.
Ghana’s representatives came back with a fresh determination upon their return. They pinpointed key areas to focus on ahead: strengthening cooperation with organizations such as the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) at a regional level, incorporating Codex guidelines into domestic policies, and getting ready to actively participate in the forthcoming 2026–2031 Codex Strategic Plan.
Experts suggest that advancements in these areas will not only safeguard consumers but also pave the way for increased opportunities within intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Ghana’s food safety agencies are anticipated to increase their efforts towards modernizing food control systems, embrace a 'One Health' strategy that links human, animal, and environmental health, and allocate resources for enhancing data management and training personnel.
CCAFRICA25 served as a wake-up call," stated Mr. Sakitey. "We need to stay abreast of global trends while addressing local conditions. Ensuring food safety is non-negotiable.
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