The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has intensified its regulatory enforcement, shutting down 16 food service establishments across the Greater Accra Region for operating without valid Food Hygiene Permits.
The closures were carried out on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, exactly two weeks after the Authority issued a public notice warning that, effective February 1, non-compliant facilities would face immediate shutdown.
Popular Restaurants Among Those Closed
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the FDA confirmed that enforcement action had been taken against businesses that failed to regularize their documentation before the deadline.
Among the 16 establishments closed during the exercise were several well-known venues, including:
- The Cheesecake House
- Dolce Frizzante
- Onda
- Alora Beach Resort
“Two weeks after our notice to the public… we have taken action,” the Authority stated. “Today, 16 non-compliant food service establishments in Greater Accra Region were shut down for failing to meet regulatory requirements.”
Enforcement Extends Beyond Restaurants
The FDA clarified that its directive applies broadly across the food service industry. The enforcement is not limited to upscale restaurants and lounges but includes:
- Hotels and event caterers
- Traditional chop bars and snack bars
- Food vans and bakeries
- Online food vendors
- Canteens in schools, hospitals, and offices
According to the Authority, the move is part of a broader effort to safeguard public health and strengthen compliance within Ghana’s food supply chain.
Public Health Protection a Priority
The Food and Drugs Authority emphasized that the closures are necessary to maintain food safety standards and protect consumers from potential health risks associated with poor hygiene practices.
“We remain committed to protecting public health and ensuring that all food service providers operate in strict compliance with good hygiene practices,” the statement reaffirmed.
The affected establishments will remain closed until they fully satisfy regulatory requirements and obtain valid Food Hygiene Permits.
Operators Urged to Comply
The Authority has urged all food service providers yet to regularize their documentation to do so immediately to avoid similar enforcement measures.
The crackdown signals a firm shift from warnings to decisive regulatory action, reinforcing the FDA’s commitment to enforcing hygiene standards in Ghana’s hospitality and food service sectors.
