Media personality Nana Romeo has voiced his disappointment with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) in light of the reported arrest of actress Fella Makafui for vending unregistered body enhancement concoctions.
Romeo holds the FDA accountable for incidents involving celebrities who allegedly sell ineffective body enhancement products, misleading consumers. He urged the government to scrutinize the efficacy of the FDA in performing its duties.
During an interview on the E-Forum show with Abrantepa Benefo Buabeng on GhanaWeb TV, Romeo stated, “I also fault the FDA. I’ve consistently pointed out that the slimming concoctions peddled by these celebrities require scrutiny. Why haven’t they been vetted all this time, given that I’m certain the FDA wouldn’t sanction slimming teas and similar products?
“We’re aware these products are ineffective. They invariably wait for an incident before initiating probes and making arrests. I believe the government should confront the FDA for their lack of effectiveness in their responsibilities.”
Romeo highlighted that the news of Fella undergoing a tummy tuck to slim her stomach while marketing products purported to achieve the same effect, coupled with her police detention, will be a lasting stigma.
“People mock her for undergoing a tummy tuck while claiming to the public that the tea slimmed her stomach. This will be a blemish for Fella, as people will recall this incident whenever she endorses a product.”
Fella’s release on bail followed her detention for allegedly peddling unregistered drugs from her shop in Mempeasem.
Investigative journalist Akwasi Koranteng of ISPYGH 247, a collaborative investigative documentary production company with the Pharmacy Council Ghana, reported Fella Makafui’s arrest on May 22, 2024. This arrest was the result of a six-month surveillance operation monitoring Fella’s social media activities on TikTok and Instagram.
The report mentioned seized items such as fertility teas, expansion syrups and oils, detox pearls, and sexual vigor teas, among others. These products were purportedly promoted without the FDA’s endorsement.
Meanwhile, Fella’s management has denied claims of her arrest, stating that she was only invited to answer questions.