FDA Targets Salt Quality in Ada with Iodisation Drive for Artisanal Miners

Sege, April 2, – The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has organised a two-day training workshop on salt iodisation for artisanal salt miners in the Ada East and Ada West Districts as part of efforts to improve public health and modernise salt production.

The initiative also seeks to strengthen sanitation practices among producers to ensure the supply of safe and quality salt for consumption.

Madam Maureen Lartey, Director in charge of Food Safety and Consumer Education at the FDA, told the PRESS that Ada remained a key salt-producing hub in Ghana, making it critical to integrate artisanal miners into the iodisation programme.

She explained that while other salt-producing areas had already adopted iodisation, earlier attempts in Ada faced resistance, though attitudes were now changing.

“Previous efforts were challenged and had to be suspended, but with support from UNICEF, we have resumed the process,” she said, adding that Ghana currently had sufficient iodine supply to support nationwide implementation.

Madam Lartey indicated that the FDA would intensify monitoring to ensure compliance with good production practices across the Ada enclave.

Madam Sybil Marie Boison, Regional Environmental Health Officer in Accra, revealed that recent assessments at some salt production sites exposed poor sanitation conditions, including open defecation, which posed risks to product safety.

She assured that strict enforcement measures would be implemented, especially during the rainy season, to improve hygiene standards at production sites.

“As the rains have started, we will intensify our efforts to ensure proper sanitation so that the salt produced is safe for consumption,” she said.

Mr Abraham Ahumah Tetteh Karim, Public Relations Officer of the Ada Songor Lagoon Association (ASLA), commended the FDA for addressing concerns of artisanal miners, particularly regarding the cost implications of iodisation.

He said the association had since secured a supplier to support the process and expressed readiness among members to begin iodising their salt from May 1, 2026.

“We are ready to start the iodisation… We only hope the process will be sustained so that we do not become stranded after some time,” he said.

Participants at the workshop also welcomed the training and pledged to adopt iodisation practices to enhance the quality and safety of their products.

GHBUSS

April 2, 2026