The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has expressed dissatisfaction with the recent GH¢93,905,760.79 judgment debt awarded to Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited.
This judgment is the outcome of a prolonged legal dispute that began in 2013 when the FDA seized and destroyed Tobinco’s products, alleging they were counterfeit.
There have been allegations that the current FDA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Delese Darko, did not mount a strong defense, which led to the unfavorable ruling for the Authority.
However, the FDA has refuted these claims, maintaining that their defense in court was robust.
In a recent statement, the FDA clarified that despite accusations against former CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni by Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Ltd, the current leadership consistently provided a solid defense during the legal proceedings.
The FDA has announced its intention to appeal the court’s decision, emphasizing its commitment to the judicial process.
“The FDA acknowledges the judgment delivered by the High Court. However, the Authority respectfully disagrees with the decision and intends to exercise its right to appeal.
The FDA remains committed to upholding the judicial process and adhering to the rule of law and will follow due process until the matter is fully resolved,” the statement read.
This ruling, issued by Her Ladyship Audrey Kocuvie-Tay at the High Court in Accra on July 29, 2024, cleared Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited and its Group Chairman, Elder Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, of allegations related to importing fake drugs into Ghana.
The legal battle commenced on July 19, 2019, when Tobinco Pharmaceuticals filed a lawsuit against the FDA, accusing the Authority of abusing its statutory powers.
