Consumer Protection Agency commends FDA for destroying over 1m fake diapers

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) has praised the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for its recent crackdown on the influx of fake and defective baby diapers on the Ghanaian market, which have been linked to severe health problems among infants and toddlers.

The FDA recently confiscated and incinerated over one million pieces of these substandard diapers.

The action follows mounting complaints from parents, especially mothers, about skin rashes, discomfort, and infections resulting from the use of certain diaper brands.

In a press statement issued by Nana Prempeh Aduhene, Executive Director in charge of Mediation and Arbitration, on Tuesday, May 27, the CPA said, “The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) highly commends the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for its recent decisive actions to clamp down on cheap and defective diapers circulating in the Ghanaian market, widely referred to as “fake diapers.”

“The FDA in recent times has confiscated and burnt over 1 million pieces of these defective diapers.”

In response, the CPA conducted investigations across five major regions—Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sefwi Wiawso, and Sunyani.

The CPA said microbial tests carried out on samples of these products revealed disturbing levels of contamination.

Many of the diapers, according to the agency, had been rejected abroad due to poor manufacturing standards and were meant to be destroyed.

However, they were salvaged—sometimes from trash—and repackaged in plain plastic bags before being smuggled into Ghana.

“These diapers are stored and handled in unsanitary conditions, significantly increasing the risk of microbial infections,” the CPA stated. “Some children have suffered painful rashes and infections around their genital areas, which, if left untreated, could escalate into life-threatening conditions.”

The CPA called on parents to stop patronizing such unregulated products and urged the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to tighten checks at entry points to prevent further importation of the defective goods.

“Are the over five million babies and toddlers in Ghana not deserving of clean, safe, and hygienic diapers? Must our children suffer just because unethical importers prioritize profit over health?” the CPA questioned.

The agency reiterated its commitment to collaborate with the FDA on a nationwide campaign to eliminate fake diapers from the market and enhance consumer safety.

“Together, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for every Ghanaian child,” the statement added.

PRESS STATEMENT ON FAKE AND DEFECTIVE DIAPERS ON THE MARKET CAUSING SEVERE HEALTH ISSUES FOR BABIES AND CHILDREN*

The Consumer Protection Agency (CPA) highly commends the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) for its recent decisive actions to clamp down on cheap and defective diapers circulating in the Ghanaian market, widely referred to as “fake diapers.” The FDA In recent times has confiscated and burnt over 1 million pieces of these defective diapers.

Following complaints from mothers nationwide regarding skin rashes, discomfort, and infections associated with the use of certain baby diapers, the CPA initiated an intensive investigation. Our research covered five key regions—Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tamale, Sefwi Wiawso, and Sunyani.

The results were deeply alarming. Microbial tests conducted on several diaper brands failed disastrously. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that many of these diapers were originally rejected during manufacturing in their home countries due to poor quality, and were meant for destruction. Instead, these products were salvaged at low cost—often from trash heaps—and repackaged into plain polyethylene bags before being smuggled into Ghana for public use.

The unhygienic conditions under which these diapers are stored, handled, and transported further increase the risk of microbial contamination, posing a serious threat to infant health.

Disturbingly, some babies suffered severe diaper rashes around the anus and genital areas, with infections ranging from mild to life-threatening if left untreated.

**Are the over 5 million babies and toddlers in Ghana not deserving of clean, safe, and hygienic diapers?
Must our children suffer just because unethical importers prioritize profit over health?
*
*We call on all Ghanaian parents—especially mothers—to immediately cease patronizing these unregulated and dangerous products. Let us collectively protect our children from further harm.

We also call on the Office of the Commissioner of Customs (CEPS) to take urgent action to block the importation of these fake and defective diapers at all entry points. Pediatric health is a national priority—our babies and children are the most vulnerable members of our society and must be protected at all costs.

Once again, we extend our deepest appreciation to the FDA for its ongoing efforts and commitment to public health. The CPA stands ready to partner with the FDA on a nationwide campaign to eliminate fake diapers and address other critical consumer safety issues. Together, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for every Ghanaian child.