The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has temporarily closed several popular food establishments along the busy Oxford Street in Osu after discovering that they were operating without the legally required Food Hygiene Permit Certificate.
The enforcement exercise, carried out on Thursday, July 16, forms part of the FDA’s nationwide campaign to ensure compliance with food safety regulations and protect consumers from potential public health risks. According to the Authority, the affected businesses will remain closed until they fully satisfy all regulatory requirements and obtain valid food hygiene permits.
FDA Intensifies Enforcement of Food Safety Regulations
The FDA explained that every food service establishment in Ghana is legally required to obtain a Food Hygiene Permit Certificate before preparing or serving food to the public. Businesses operating without the permit are considered to be in breach of the country’s food safety regulations.
Officials said the latest inspection targeted food outlets along one of Accra’s busiest commercial corridors, where restaurants, cafés and eateries attract thousands of residents and tourists daily.
The Authority stressed that the operation is intended to promote safe food handling practices and ensure that businesses comply with national public health standards.
Businesses to Remain Closed Until Compliance
In an official statement, the FDA announced that the affected establishments would not be allowed to resume operations until they successfully complete the required regulatory processes.
The Authority urged operators of food businesses across the country to regularise their operations immediately by securing the mandatory Food Hygiene Permit Certificate to avoid closures, sanctions and possible fines.
Public Health Remains Top Priority
The latest enforcement exercise underscores the FDA’s commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring that food served to consumers is prepared in hygienic environments that meet approved safety standards.
The Authority has in recent months intensified inspections and compliance exercises across Accra and Tema, targeting food businesses that fail to meet licensing and hygiene requirements. Previous operations resulted in the suspension and closure of numerous establishments operating without valid permits or in violation of food safety standards.
Consumers Encouraged to Patronise Compliant Businesses
The FDA has encouraged members of the public to patronise only licensed food establishments and to report suspected food safety violations through the Authority’s official communication channels.
Food business operators have also been reminded that compliance with hygiene regulations is not merely an administrative requirement but a critical measure for protecting consumers against foodborne illnesses and maintaining confidence in Ghana’s hospitality industry.
The temporary closure of several well-known eateries along Osu Oxford Street sends a strong signal that the FDA is stepping up enforcement of food safety laws nationwide. As inspections continue, businesses that fail to obtain the required Food Hygiene Permit Certificates risk suspension until they comply with the country’s regulatory standards.
The Authority says its objective is not only to enforce the law but also to ensure that every meal served to the public meets acceptable hygiene and food safety standards, ultimately protecting the health and well-being of consumers across Ghana.
