The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has voiced disappointment over a recent court ruling, ordering the Authority to pay Tobinco Pharmaceutical Limited a judgment debt of GH¢93,905,760.79.
This ruling concluded a prolonged legal battle initiated by Tobinco in 2019, following the FDA’s destruction of their products, which the Authority alleged were counterfeit.
Contrary to reports suggesting the FDA failed to present a robust defense, the Authority asserts that it provided a strong defense throughout the legal proceedings, despite allegations against former CEO Dr. Stephen Opuni.
The FDA has acknowledged the High Court’s judgment but intends to appeal, reaffirming its commitment to upholding the judicial process and adhering to the rule of law.
Tobinco Pharmaceuticals Limited and its Group Chairman, Elder Dr. Samuel Amo Tobbin, were exonerated of importing fake drugs into Ghana, following a ruling by Her Ladyship Audrey Kocuvie-Tay on July 29, 2024.
In 2013, former FDA CEO Dr. Opuni reported Tobinco and its CEO to the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), leading to Mr. Tobbin’s arrest and the lockdown of Tobinco’s warehouses, resulting in product expiration.
Tobinco initiated legal action against the FDA in 2019, seeking damages for abuse of statutory powers and duties.
The court ultimately cleared Tobinco of allegations and awarded a judgment debt against the FDA.
