The Ashanti Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Mr Nathaniel Nana Kwabena Nkrumah, has clarified that existing laws do not permit the Authority to prevent pastors or religious leaders from selling so-called spiritual items to their church members.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Nkrumah explained that the sale of spiritual items falls outside the FDA’s enforcement mandate, particularly when such products are framed as matters of faith rather than regulated food or medicinal substances.
“The law does not permit us to stop a pastor from selling spiritual items to church members,” he stated. “That is why we do not do anything about it.”
According to him, even when such matters are taken to court, they are often dismissed because spiritual claims are difficult to adjudicate within the framework of secular law.
“If you even take spiritual matters to court, the court will not mind you,” he said.
Mr. Nkrumah, however, noted that the FDA becomes involved when products are presented as food, drugs, or consumables and are seized by law enforcement agencies.
“If the police seize items and bring them to us, we will test the foods,” he explained. “But we cannot go and stop them from selling; the law does not permit it.”
Despite the regulatory limitations, the Ashanti Regional FDA Head urged the public to exercise caution, especially when using consumable or cosmetic products linked to spiritual claims.
“I advise people in the Ashanti Region to be careful and observant when it comes to the food and other products they use on their skin,” he cautioned.
He also encouraged stronger collaboration between the public and the FDA, stressing that public vigilance is essential to safeguarding health and safety.
“They should also collaborate with the FDA so that together we can do the best for the country,” he added.
By Modern Ghana
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