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Stop using our brand to market substandard drugs …COA President warns
Prof Samuel Ato Duncan
The President General of COA Research and Manufacturing Company, producers of COA Mixture, Prof Samuel Ato Duncan has warned alternative drug producers to desist from using the COA brand to market their medicines.
Addressing the press on Tuesday, Prof. Duncan said there had been a worrying trend where some herbal medicine producers deceive the public by associating their product to the COA brand.
The development, he said, was an affront to the practice and threatened to seek legal action if they do not stop.
He added that, “the COA formula is unique and confidential. I am the only one with the formula and even my wife and children do not have; so there is nothing on the market like COA.”
“Those imitating the drug and presenting it as the same as COA are warned. We have consulted the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) and if it continues, the laws would catch up with them,” he added.
The company, he said, was committed to the wellbeing of Ghanaians and also complement government’s efforts of providing quality healthcare to citizens.
“The wellbeing of humanity is our priority, hence we try to give the best to the public and do not want any unwanted attention,” he stressed.
Since 2006, he mentioned that the company has not changed the prices of any of its three products currently on the market, the COA Mixture, COA Plus Mixture and COA MT.
“We have carefully and scientifically produced the mixtures with millions of dollars invested since we are interested in producing to meet international standard,” he added.
He said, the company was committed to price stability while prioritising the health of Ghanaians across the country.
COA Mixture, he reiterated, was mainly a supplement and immune booster which support the general well-being of people and does not cure diseases like, cancers, kidney diseases and HIV/AIDS as sometimes misconstrued.
“COA mixtures are not registered for cures. Their purpose is your well-being and not replace traditional medical treatment for serious illness,” he explained.
“Plant-based medicine is the future of healthcare and we are committed to making Ghana a global hub for alternative natural medicine,” he stated.
On her part, the First Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of COA, Princess Duncan also advised the public to be wary of substandard drugs paraded to be similar to COA.
“We have built our company with integrity and have a strong reputation when it comes to trust. We assure customers that we are working to address the issues and guarantee their safety,” she added.
By Michael D. Abayateye
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
