Accra, Ghana – May 20, 2025 — The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) is grappling with serious enforcement challenges in its ongoing effort to withdraw the banned Grand Chateaux Sangria Forte 250ml Tetra Pack from the Ghanaian market, two months after issuing a nationwide recall.
The alcoholic beverage was banned over safety concerns, and on March 18, 2025, the FDA ordered a full recall, giving the primary importer a 14-day window to remove all products from circulation. However, recent investigations by JoyNews reveal that the product is still widely available in shops, raising alarms over the effectiveness of the recall operation.
Speaking to JoyNews, FDA Director of Enforcement, Vigil Prah Anshong, disclosed that the recall has only achieved limited success.
“Out of the 33,811 cartons of the product imported, only 9,073 cartons have been retrieved,” he said. “We had hoped to remove the entire batch from the market, but enforcement has been hindered by several issues, especially at the eastern border in Aflao.”
Unauthorized Imports Undermining Efforts
Mr. Anshong explained that the FDA launched a second phase of the recall — a mop-up operation — but soon discovered that unauthorized entities were also importing the product into Ghana, making it more difficult to trace and remove all units.
“They [the principal importer] came back to us and reported that other parties were also bringing the product in. That greatly complicates the recall,” he said. “We’re now facing a situation where illegal imports are undermining regulatory efforts.”
Border Weaknesses a Major Concern
He pointed to systemic weaknesses at the borders, especially in Aflao, as one of the main reasons for the recall’s ineffectiveness. “The challenge at the borders is significant. When someone is determined to move a banned product, they find ways to bypass our systems, regardless of our efforts,” Mr. Anshong admitted.
Public Safety Warning
The FDA has issued a strong advisory to the public, particularly parents, to avoid purchasing the product. Officials are concerned that the packaging of the 250ml Tetra Pack may appear child-friendly, misleading consumers into thinking it’s a non-alcoholic beverage.
“We advise parents not to buy this for their children. It is alcoholic and was banned for serious safety reasons,” the FDA emphasized.
Strengthening Enforcement
In response to the ongoing challenges, the FDA says it is working more closely with customs officials and border security agencies to tighten checks and intercept any further inflows of the banned product.
The situation has reignited calls for improved regulatory mechanisms and border controls, as well as stronger penalties for importers who violate public health directives.
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